Affiliate Highlights
Wild Bird Rehabilitation
S
ince 1970, roughly three billion birds have vanished across the North American continent. Species such as the Piping Plover, Masked Bobwhite, and Red-Cockaded Woodpecker have been added to the list of endangered species. Wild Bird Rehabilitation Inc. (WBR) began in 1993 with our mission of saving under-served native birds. Within the first year, we helped over 500 birds. Of the 390 species of birds found in Missouri, WBR is the only group that cares for 300 of those species when they are injured. WBR’s mission is to ensure the survival of native birds through professional medical care and education. This mission in carried out in two ways: providing medical care for injured birds, and raising abandoned young ones. When a bird needing help is found, WBR can be called for instructions on what to do. If the bird requires medical attention, it can be brought in for further examination and treatment. Additionally, a volunteer avian veterinarian advises our medical team and provides clinical diagnoses. Wild Bird Rehabilitation Inc. also cares for and raises hatchlings. Songbird nesting takes place between April and September, and during this time, we admit hundreds of injured or abandoned hatchlings. Caring for young birds requires feeding every 20-45 minutes depending on age, with diverse diets prepared daily. Young birds also need clean and stimulating spaces in which to learn and grow. As a non-profit organization, Wild Bird Rehabilitation Inc. relies heavily on donations, volunteers, interns, and community involvement. In the past year, we admitted over 2,500 songbirds. Although we have moved to a larger facility in Overland, we are still cramped. Volunteers can help with tasks such as feeding/providing basic care for baby birds, preparing various diets, cleaning, and much more.
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CONSERVATION FEDERATION
(Photo: Courtesy of Wild Bird Rehab)
Under the guidance of the new Executive Director Joe Hoffmann, WBR recently acquired a large plot of land in Foley, Missouri with plans to carry out population research and endangered species breeding programs. Volunteers could also help answer phones and provide transportation. Since our phone system uses remote access, you can answer phones from anywhere in the world. As the only licensed songbird care facility in the state of Missouri, we help birds brought in from all over the state of Missouri and Illinois. Wild Bird Rehabilitation Inc. also offers projects such as constructing bird boxes, aviaries, and garden design to Boy or Girls Scouts and Eagle Scouts. WBR also accepts summer interns, teaching them medical procedures and basic songbird care. Interns also participate in bird releases and undertake an individualized project based on their interests surrounding environmental preservation. The earth is made up of a web of interconnected ecosystems. Each strand relies on and supports another in a perfect balance. Not one single person can do everything to save songbirds, but every person can do something. Wild Bird Rehabilitation Inc. exists as an extension of the community, coming together towards the preservation of the remaining songbirds of America. Join our mission by visiting our website wildbirdrehab.org or call 314-426-6400.
