Leslie, a dedicated animal care volunteer, describes a day of volunteering.

In the spring, as a volunteer caring for baby birds, my days start early: 7:30 AM sharp. The first task? Waking up the tiniest patients and giving them their morning fluids. These baby birds are hungry! Every 15 to 30 minutes I’m hand-feeding a variety of insects and other high protein foods to mimic what their parents would give them. As soon as I open the enclosure, they start opening their tiny beaks, eagerly awaiting their meal. Some eat right away, while others need coaxing; I’ll step away, come back in, chirp, and whistle softly, almost like the bird equivalent of making an airplane motion when feeding a human baby.

Once the first round of feeding is complete, it’s time to clean the dishes and prepare for the next meal. This involves chopping fruit, softening kibble in water, and boiling eggs as each enclosure receives its own carefully prepared meal. Then, I assist with daily health checks and weight monitoring, ensuring each little one is growing strong. I refresh the enclosures with clean towels, newspapers, and sheets to keep our young patients warm and comfortable. Just as I finish, the timer goes off, and I start again. From April until the last babies are released back into the wild in August, the days are long, yet the work is rewarding. I feel exhausted at the end of my shift; my back and feet ache, but my heart is full.

When I retired, I wanted to do something meaningful - something good for the world and nature. I love birds; I can’t imagine a world without their songs in spring. However, humans have harmed so much of their habitat. I knew I had to help in any way I could. In return, I’ve gained so much. Caring for these tiny lives requires resources, time, and dedication.

Imagine a world without a place to take injured birds. Your support makes this all possible. Thank you for helping give these vulnerable babies a second chance.

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