A host of tiny birds knocked out of their nest have been taken into care by the small group of carers based in the Nambucca Valley.

Chicks have been particularly vulnerable to the winds and rain, falling or being thrown out of their nests over the past few weeks.

The birds have been found all over the valley, with some also falling foul of motor vehicles on the highway and local roads.

Along with the sudden influx of chicks, WIRES has been handling an increase in the numbers of call-outs to deal with snakes and lizards. In the care of these birds and animals, the volunteers said they were greatly assisted by local vets, who tended them at no cost.

Along with more activity in the world of birds, reptiles have also been on the move.

A 10-foot long carpet python was recently rescued from a valley home, and was to be returned to the wild after a short time in care.

WIRES volunteers asked people to take active steps to make their yard less attractive to snakes, poisonous and others, by not stacking leaves or branches in piles... and keeping the yard clear.

If a snake did wander into the yard, the carers said the best policy was to leave them alone, make sure household pets were restrained, and allow them to move on in their own time.

The snakes and reptiles were more active to take advantage of the influx of baby creatures on the move, including all the baby birds falling out of their nests.

“You will see a lot of snakes passing through at this time of year trying to find a mate,” WIRES coordinator Juliet Tilson said.

“They will also be fighting with rivals. Just leave them alone, give them space, and they should be fine.”

WIRES snake-handling specialists can be called in to remove venomous and non-venomous snakes when they enter homes.

The current busy season has highlighted the hard work of local volunteers.

A core group of about 25 people handle all the rescues and caring around the Nambucca Valley.

The group is calling on volunteers who are interested in caring and rescuing animals to call the group on 6564 8661.

Volunteers are then trained in the care of different animals, from birds and reptiles to macropods.