Birds turning into rainbows after storm

THESE three baby birds are slowly turning into rainbows after the recent storms.

Rainbow lorikeet orphans Slim, Chance and Laurence are swapping their grey first feathers for the bright-coloured plumage that give the species their name, being hand raised by WILVOS carer Donna Brennan on the Sunshine Coast after surviving the recent wild weather.

The colours start with the striking blue head feathers, Donna said.

While wildlife rescuers try to handle their charges as little as possible so they don’t become attached to humans, Donna said past rainbow lorikeet carers were still receiving visits from their former patients.

“They go into the wild flocks very easily,” Donna said, with this fluff ball expected to be released in two to three months.

“But they do sometimes come back with their families.

“It is nice to know they will come back and say hello before flying back off when the flock moves on.”

Anyone who finds an injured or orphaned animal can phone the WILVOS 24-hour hotline on 5441 6200 or visit wilvos.org.au

Photo: Lachie Millard RECOVERY: Eight-week-old Rainbow Lorikeets Slim, Chance and Laurence are on track for a full recovery after they were found on the ground and displaced from their nest and mother after a wild storm.