Albany’s passionate seabird carer takes out award for ‘outstanding’ volunteer service

Dedicated WA Seabird Rescue Albany volunteer Carol Biddulph has being recognised for her outstanding efforts as a wildlife rehabilitator.

Earlier this month, Ms Biddulph received a Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Outstanding Services Award.

The wildlife co-ordinator for the Albany branch of WA Seabird Rescue, Ms Biddulph has been volunteering for the organisation since 2006.

She is renowned for her knowledge and rehabilitation skills regarding the Great Southern’s pelagic species, including rockhopper penguins, albatrosses and giant petrels.

Ms Biddulph said she was humbled and surprised by the honour.

“All wildlife carers, we just go along and do our volunteer work with great passion, carry on regardless. We don’t think of getting awards or recognition,” she said.

Ms Biddulph’s role includes going out to bird rescues whether it be a hooked pelican or a penguin in need of saving.

She then does all the rehabilitation at her home in Albany.

Her home is currently housing six ducklings and two herons who are on “cross-release”, learning how to be a wild bird in her garden.

As penguin season begins to roll around, Ms Biddulph is in the process of preparing her penguin aviary in case some of the seabirds come to shore for their annual moult.

With many memorable bird releases over more than a decade volunteering, Ms Biddulph said one moment stuck out.

After sending some rockhopper penguins for a routine vet check, a swipe of their microchip revealed the very same birds had been in her care the previous year.

“To know you’ve looked after a bird, released it, it’s coped out there in all the elements and then to have it back again is just amazing,” she said.

“It just cements that the work we are doing is so positive and making a difference.”

Ms Biddulph encouraged the public to contact WA Seabird Rescue on 6102 8464 if they came across an injured or abandoned bird.