Baby Bird Program
Looking for something interesting to do this summer? Do you enjoy observing nature, up close?
If you can answer yes to these questions, perhaps TWRC Wildlife Center is the place to be!
About the Program
Each summer, approximately 2000 baby birds enter our center. In 2001, TWRC initiated a Baby Bird Program which provides on-site care for baby birds. Bird feeders are trained and sign-up to work 4-hour shifts. Shifts run from 8am to 12pm, 12pm to 4pm, and 4pm to 8pm, 7 days a week. Duties as a bird feeder include: food preparation, feeding birds, cleaning cages, washing dishes, general maintenance of the bird area, and mealworm husbandry. Our goal is to staff each shift with 6 volunteers who work under the guidance of a Baby Bird Supervisor. With the baby bird season rapidly approaching, training classes are scheduled and we are eagerly looking for volunteers to help us with this huge endeavor.
During the training class you will learn how to correctly hand-feed birds, the proper cage set-up for each species, and essential shift protocol. Not all the birds are healthy and some require medication, fluid therapy, and hydro-therapy and/or have fractures that require wrapping. These are skills you can train for under the guidance of our experienced wildlife rehabilitators and advance to a supervisory level in the Program.
Court appointed community service volunteers must be 18 years of age and pre-approved by the Program Coordinator.
2012 Information
The Baby Bird Program is in operation from April 30th through August 3rd. During this time we ask our bird feeders for a commitment of 5 shifts. Naturally, you can sign up for as many shifts as you wish. We encourage regular participation; not only because of our staffing needs but the feeding routine can be daunting when you are surrounded by hundreds of baby birds all vying for your attention. It does take working a few shifts before a smooth routine can be established. For more information or to schedule a shift, see below.
New Volunteers:
Volunteers must be at least 15 years of age, attend a training class and pay a $15 registration fee. Volunteers will receive a TWRC Program t-shirt which they are required to wear when they work a shift. Minors (12-14 years of age) can participate if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Training is held at the Center and is approximately 2 hours long. Training is mandatory for everyone new to the Program.
Returning Volunteers:
Volunteers who participated in the 2009, 2010 or 2011 Baby Bird Program are not required to attend a training class. The use of last year's t-shirt is permitted.
Returning Volunteers must register with the Program Coordinator and pay a $10 registration fee prior to participation.