Feathered guests decide to duck out

By Kath Gannaway
TWO of Tony and Georgina Woolley’s longest-standing guests have flown the coop.
Monty and Mooney ducked out a week or so ago and haven’t been seen since.
The couple hand-raised the sibling Australian chestnut-breasted Shelducks at their Steels Creek wildlife rescue centre after they were found as orphaned ducklings 18 months ago.
Mr Woolley said Monty and Mooney had waterproofing problems and still get waterlogged if they stay in water too long.
They are, it seems, the exception to the old “… like ducks to water” adage.
Tony and Georgina are naturally keen to keep track of how the birds are travelling on their own.
“If anyone does see them or find them walking around their garden ponds we’d like them to give us a call to let us know they’re OK,” Mr Woolley said.
“Being hand-reared they may tend to be quite friendly to people. It would be good to know whether they have been able to fend for themselves.”
Monty and Mooney are wearing bright orange identity bands so they are easy to spot.
Tony and Georgina Woolley can be contacted on 5965 2040.