After 20 days in care, our patient was ready to go back to the wild. Watch as this once vulnerable little Western Screech-Owl comes shooting out of his transport box and disappears into the black night back where he belongs. It was truly a cause of celebration for finders and BRC staff alike.

One day, late in February, a Santa Rosa resident was watching a beautiful Peregrine Falcon hunting in a nearby vineyard. As he watched, the bird hit one of the guide wires used to hold up grape clusters. Realizing the bird may have injured a wing in the collision, he went closer to investigate. After bringing the bird to The Bird Rescue Center for treatment, we found that fortunately, the wing wasn't broken, but it was badly bruised. In just over two weeks, this beautiful Peregrine Falcon was ready to soar on his own. Our rescuer welcomed him home as we released him.

After a month and a half of care after being shot out of the sky, this young hawk had regained his stamina and displayed the flight and hunting skills necessary to live on his own. An injury like his could easily have resulted in permanent impairment affecting his flight capabilities and hunting skills. We were thrilled to be able to give this feisty youngster a second chance at life! Early on the morning of December 18th, the hawk was successfully returned to the wild lands of Sonoma County, free once more to live a long and happy life! Read the full story here:

This baby owl was found on the ground. Luckily after just a week in care with us at The Bird Rescue Center, it was reunited with its family!

Our first group of Nuttall's Woodpeckers getting 'soft released' on a suitable property. A soft release involves allowing the birds to acclimate to their new environment and providing them food until they no longer return for the extra calories. This group was taken by one of our dedicated volunteers that has a healthy population of Nuttall's around that these youngsters can learn from. As soon as the hatch was open, they were out of there!

We want to bring you a little sunshine with a Red-tailed's Tale. This juvenile was spotted around the Healdsburg Waste Water Treatment Plant unable to fly and, despite his injuries, for days defying capture. He was finally humanely captured and brought to BRC on February 20th. Due to permitting and legal restrictions, we do not have an X-ray machine on site. We are frequently asked how we determine injuries without one. The answer? A highly skilled and proficient physical exam. Our exam determined that healing had already begun—meaning we had a race again time. If the wing continued healing on its own without treatment, it most likely would heal improperly, and then we would lose our chance of returning him home. A veterinary appointment to confirm the results of our physical exam and for the bird to undergo surgery was scheduled for two days later. (Ironically, the day that many of you were attending our New Volunteer Orientation!) Surgery stabilized the bones and wing. After 2.5 weeks and many medications due to the pneumatized bone and suspected level of pain, the pins were able to come out and light physical therapy began. His recovery really took off from there. After a few days of stretching done by staff, he was ready for a small aviary. Over the course of the next 2 weeks he progressed quickly to our largest aviary, passed live prey training, and soared through his creance flight evaluations! After one month in our hospital, it was pure joy to return him to the Water Treatment Plant. Enjoy watching him return home!

This baby hummingbird came to us after being found on the ground too young to fly. He is getting fed every 45 minutes by our trained staff and is comfortable in our brand new incubator! Soon he'll join another orphaned hummingbird and they'll continue to grow up together until being returned to the wild.