[This article, by our Rehabilitation Coordinator, Tom Whiteman, was printed in the Audubon Madrone Leaves March 2008 newsletter.]

The Next Generation is Coming, and Many of Them Will Need Our Help

All around Sonoma County the birds are starting to select their nest sites. Some have even started construction. Soon we will observe the next generation of fledglings begin the awesome adventure into the challenging world. However, many of them will need our help.

Every year, for over 27 years, concerned citizens bring hundreds of orphaned young birds to The Bird Rescue Center (BRC). Most of these orphans are from disturbed nests. Many have been separated from parents by the activities of our pets or by the encroachment of our living space on their natural environment. If they reach BRC in time, they have a good chance to live, thrive, and return to the wild. The year-round volunteer staff in the bird hospital/rehabilitation section has been preparing all fall and winter for the throng of orphans that will come through the front door between April and September. Supplies are stocked. Nests are prepared. Avian husbandry procedures are refined. Housing areas are scrubbed and painted. Many caring hands are now needed to provide intense support and close attention for the orphans.

Anyone can help. The personal reward from contributing time and energy to the care of the youngsters is incalculable. BRC is open 12 hours a day, seven days a week, during the spring/summer “baby bird season”. There are evening shifts to accommodate those who work or study all day but want to help by donating a couple of hours after work. Just about any personal schedule can be accommodated.

If feeding baby birds on a scheduled shift is not something that you can do, volunteer to work at the phone/admission desk. These volunteers (called the A-Team) are often the first contact and perform a critical service: answering questions and concerns of the public, dispatching field rescue volunteers when needed, and receiving birds at the admissions desk. The A-Team is a vital part of the effort required to start a bird on the road to recovery and release. In March, there will be a training session at BRC (contact Janet Bosshard at 523-2473) for those interested in joining the A-Team. Or you can visit the center and meet a few volunteers (and some of the resident birds) on the first Saturday and third Sunday of every month, 1:00 – 4:00 pm.

BRC provides all needed training, so complete bird-novices are welcome for any and all positions. Bring yourself. Bring your friends. People of all ages are welcome to join the team of volunteers ranging in age from 12 to 85+. For young people still in high school, there is a special program which coordinates with their academic and community service requirements. The possibilities and opportunities are endless. The need is very great. Please join us in helping the birds.

Every year people ask what to do when they “find” a baby bird. There is no standard response, but there are basic guidelines to consider when someone “finds” a baby bird. First, observe and evaluate the situation. Is it a featherless nestling? Is the nestling’s home nest known and accessible? Is the bird a fully feathered fledgling, out of the nest but not yet able to fly? Does the bird appear to be injured, or is it moving around easily? And, most importantly, is the area safe for the bird? Resist the urge to immediately “rescue” unless the bird is clearly in unsafe circumstances. Second, remember the parents are the bird’s best caregivers. Leave the bird alone. If his parents are in the area, they will probably find him but do continue to monitor the situation to be sure of parental care. Third, if the bird is not safe and is truly separated from its parents, intervene only with the coaching of a professional avian caregiver.

From mid-April until early October the phone desk at BRC is staffed 12 hours a day, 7 days a week (8:00 am - 8:00 pm). Call 523-2473 (BIRD) to be connected with one of our volunteers trained to help you evaluate the young bird’s circumstances and, if necessary, coach you in making the decision that is best for the bird.

Click on Rescue Info for a detailed discussion of emergency care for baby birds; click on “Get Involved” for a range of volunteer opportunities.

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