A woman who rushed to help corellas caught in netting at Batemans Bay's Water Garden says two had almost amputated their own legs to free themselves.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Helen Azar described the scene as "simply too horrible" and has called on Eurobodalla Shire Council to remove the netting from turf near the shore, where birds gather.
Ms Azar said she and her husband noticed corellas screaming on Tuesday, February 19, and realised five were entangled in netting, which resembled fishing wire.
RELATED CONTENT: Council removes turf netting after birds caught
"They were trapped," she said.
"This netting was all over that area, layered under the grass, with a good portion exposed.
"We tried to free one of them, but it was impossible. We ran to the museum and asked for a pair of scissors.
"We were able to free two."
However, Ms Azar said three were injured and appeared to have been trapped for longer.
"Two of them had their legs almost cut off by the wire, that's how strong they were pulling on it, trying to get free.
"They were bleeding and screaming; their beaks were bleeding too, from trying to get their legs untangled.
"It was absolutely horrific. We were both in shock, but were able to get two more birds freed."
In 2016, the council removed vegetation to discourage a large flying fox colony and laid fresh turf. It has become a popular place to picnic and view birds.
Ms Azar said museum staff helped and WIRES and a vet were notified. She said she was too upset to take pictures or video of the seriously hurt birds.
"I think at least two of the birds that flew away were seriously hurt (and) will probably not make it," she said.
However, they were able to confine one bird to a box who was taken to the vet.
Mid-South Coast WIRES branch has warned residents and institutions to avoid nets that could trap birds, reptiles and other creatures.
Ms Azar, who was driving through Batemans Bay on her way back to her Albury home, then took matters into her own hands to prevent further injury.
"I was able to rip out some of the exposed netting to make sure no other birds get trapped, but I couldn't do all of it," she said.
"It's entirely possible that more birds will get trapped and hurt or killed by this."
She has called on the council to remove the netting.
"They need to remove all this netting asap and be stopped from using it again," she said.
READ MORE: How the Water Garden began