By Grae O’Toole, Director of the Center for Wild Bird Rehabilitation and Ambassador Care
As the leaves begin to change and the air grows crisp, we at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) find ourselves reflecting on an extraordinary summer season at our Center for Wild Bird Rehabilitation and Ambassador Care (CWBRAC). The past few months have been a whirlwind of activity, filled with the constant bustle of caring for our feathered friends. I’m excited to share the remarkable data we’ve compiled from this year’s baby bird season.
A Year of Unprecedented Growth
In 2024, we witnessed a significant surge in the number of baby birds requiring our care. Our dedicated team received an astounding 503 baby waterfowl, songbirds, raptors, and various other species. To put this into perspective, last year we cared for 345 baby birds. This represents an increase of over 45% – that’s 158 more tiny patients than the previous year!
Of the 503 baby birds we received:
- 338 were classified as tiny nestlings
- 165 were fledglings
This dramatic increase in numbers certainly kept our team on their toes, pushing our resources and dedication to new limits.
Top 5 Species
Every year, we see certain species more frequently than others. Here are the top five baby bird species we cared for this season:
- American Robin (97 babies)
- Eastern Phoebe (55 babies)
- European Starling (42 babies)
- Chimney Swift (22 babies)
- House Wren (19 babies)
While these species are typically common in our care, we noticed an interesting trend this year with higher numbers of swifts and swallows than usual.
A Diverse Avian Nursery
Our summer “nursery” was filled with a remarkable diversity of species. From the tiny Ruby-throated Hummingbird to a fluffy baby vulture, we had the privilege of caring for birds of all shapes and sizes. Songbirds made up the majority of our patients, but we also saw a significant number of waterfowl, raptors, and even some less common species like a Scarlet Tanager and American Woodcock.
Reasons for Care and Outcomes
Understanding why birds come into our care is crucial for our work and for public education. The majority of our patients were orphaned or injured, often due to human-related causes such as window strikes, car collisions, or disrupted nests during tree trimming or construction.
I’m pleased to report that a significant portion of the baby birds we cared for were successfully released back into the wild. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and volunteers, as well as the resilience of these young birds.
The Challenges and Triumphs of Baby Bird Season
This summer pushed us to our limits, but it also showcased the incredible dedication and skill of our team. At one point, we had over 100 baby songbirds on campus, each needing to be fed every 30 minutes! The logistics of such an operation are mind-boggling, but our staff and volunteers rose to the challenge magnificently.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our baby bird volunteers, whose tireless efforts were the backbone of our operation this summer. Without their dedication, we simply couldn’t have managed the sheer volume of birds in our care.
Equally deserving of praise is our incredible CWBRAC staff: Bren, Claire, Celia, Julie, Michelle, Rachael, and Mary. They not only cared for the baby songbirds but also tended to all incoming patients, from tiny hummingbirds to majestic eagles. Their days were filled with patient care, answering phones (about 20 calls per day), admitting new birds (10-15 daily), preparing diets, cleaning enclosures, and managing the endless cycle of dishes and laundry. Their enthusiasm and hard work are the lifeblood of CWBRAC.
Looking Ahead
As we close the chapter on this record-breaking season, we’re filled with a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. The challenges we faced have only strengthened our resolve and improved our capabilities. We look forward to applying the lessons learned this year to continue improving our care and expanding our capacity to help Vermont’s wild birds.
To everyone who supported us through donations, volunteering, or simply by being mindful of wildlife in your daily lives – thank you. Your support makes our work possible, and together, we’re making a real difference for the wild birds of Vermont.
