Heartwarming reunion after women hear 'desperate cries' coming from drain

The baby plover was 'calling for its parents but had no way of reaching mum and dad', rescuers said.

Brianne Tolj
·Associate News Editor
Updated ·2-min read
Left, one of the rescuers with Wildlife Noosa opening the drain grate. Right, the bird in the drain sitting in the water.
The baby plover was discovered by two women who heard its 'desperate cries' coming from a drain near a park in Noosa. Source: Wildlife Noosa/Facebook

A perceptive pair of women enjoying a walk at a park on Friday have assisted a “heartwarming” reunion after hearing “desperate cries” coming from a drain. The loud chirping emerging from the grate prompted the worried friends on a stroll in Noosa, Queensland, to stop and take a closer look.

Inside they were saddened to find a “tiny, little baby plover” — a ground-dwelling bird otherwise known as a Masked Lapwing — “stuck” inside. The small, fluffy chick can be seen with its feet submerged in water and mud in footage taken by Wildlife Noosa.

The plover was “calling and calling for its parents but had no way of reaching mum and dad”, rescuers with the nonprofit wrote online. “Carefully and gently we were able to bring the little one up and out of the drain.”

After removing the bird with a net, it didn’t take the carers long to find the animal’s concerned parents.

“With mum and dad in a nearby park we were finally able to reunite this little one with its family,” Wildlife Noosa said on Facebook. “A heartwarming outcome as we watched on as one of the parents ran towards the baby, lowered its body and provided a sheltering canopy over it.

“Everyone involved with the rescue was incredibly happy knowing that the little plover would now be warm and safe nestled beneath its parent.”

Left, the baby plover bird sitting on the grass after being rescued from the drain. Right, the bird being reunited with one of its parents.
Rescuers were able to carefully lift the bird out of the drain before reuniting it with its worried parents. Source: Wildlife Noosa/Facebook

The “wonderful” rescue and footage of the homecoming has thrilled Aussies, racking up more than 20,000 views in just hours.

“Well done to all involved,” one person commented, while another exclaimed the “great work” had made their day.

“Let’s all watch out for fallen nests in your area… due to the heavy rain,” a local warned.

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