Restoring Wings to the Wild

brcsonoma
Apr 9
4 min read

As we say good-bye to the cold, wet, blustery weather and welcome spring with her sunshine and blossoms, we are grateful for everyone who participated in our first-ever Baby Bird Shower! See how your generous support has shortened our wish list...

Also in this update, learn how you can lend your support all year long!

And a bittersweet tribute to one of our most beloved Ambassadors...

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who "flocked" to support our recent virtual Baby Bird Shower!

Baby Season is here and the nest is filling fast! Thanks to you, our shelves are now stocked with some of the most critical supplies we need to welcome the tiniest patients of the year. From mini-feeding tools to soft bedding, you’ve helped us prepare for the five-month stretch when we receive 70% of the birds we’ll care for all year.

But—just like a nest of hungry babies—it’s never quite enough.

We’re about to have well over 100 baby birds in our care all at the same time. Feeding begins at 8am sharp, and for most, continues every 30 minutes until 7:30 at night. Yes, the days are long, but the season is joyful and beautiful—and also a bit bonkers.

If you missed the shower, it’s not too late to chip in! We’re still in need of:

Hemostats, both curved and straight (a.k.a. baby bird feeding utensils)

Heating pads to keep babies cozy

And all the TLC we can muster!

Your support now means we can give these helpless little ones the best chance to grow strong, spread their wings, and return to the wild where they belong.

Help us keep the babies fed, warm, and chirping. Make a Baby Bird Season Gift Today!

Yes! I'll help support those babies!

Let’s face it—you're already subscribing to Netflix, Spotify, and maybe even that fancy oat milk delivery service. Why not add something truly uplifting to your monthly lineup?

By becoming a monthly donor to The Bird Rescue Center, you're helping save injured owls, hawks, and songbirds, giving our feathered friends a second chance to soar! Monthly giving helps us plan ahead, respond to emergencies, and keep the birdseed flowing (along with the meds, rehab, and love).

It’s reliable, like your morning coffee. Only better, because your coffee doesn’t help birds fly again. So go ahead—subscribe to something that really matters. Bonus: we’ll never raise your rates or ask if you're still watching.

Become a monthly donor today!

Wowl: A Life That Soared

Amid the joyful chaos of baby bird season, we pause to honor one of the most remarkable souls ever to grace The Bird Rescue Center: Wowl, our beloved Great Horned Owl ambassador, who passed away last month at the extraordinary age of 38.

Born in 1987, Wowl arrived at the Center when she was just six days old. No current staff member remembers her arrival firsthand, but her legacy is deeply etched into the heart of this place.

For nearly four decades, Wowl inspired thousands of people, young and old, with her silent strength, piercing gaze, and commanding presence. She helped people fall in love with birds, understand the vital

role raptors play in our ecosystems, and discover the magic of wildlife up close.

Though Wowl’s passing was due to age-related complications, her long life is a testament to the care and devotion she received—and the deep impact one bird can have.

As we care for the next generation of baby birds, we carry Wowl’s spirit with us: fierce, wise, and unforgettable.

We invite you to share your memories, photos, or tributes to Wowl by tagging us on social media with a tribute to her. (links to Instagram and FB)

Fly high, Wowl. You will always be part of us. ❤️

Upcoming Events

Thursday, April 12th at 11:45

Join BRC Board member Janet Bosshard as she leads a family adventure in the Winged Wonders exhibit at the Sonoma Botanical Gardens. Learn fascinating details about bird species, their habitats, and conservation efforts, while also spotting their real-life counterparts. Learn more

Saturday, April 26th from 10am until 2pm

At Family Nature Day, honoring naturalist Elizabeth Terwilliger, we will be joining sister organization WildCare for a day of family fun! This free event offers naturalist-led hikes, wildlife themed crafts, the opportunity to meet live non-releasable wildlife, and much more. Information

Saturday, May 31st & Sunday, June 1st

Hosted by The Children's Museum, Dino Trax is a dinosaur-themed event combining the timeless charm of trains with the thrill of dinosaurs, promising track-loads of fun for the whole family. Look for BRC's owl pellet demo plus lots of fun and interesting exhibits. Information and Admission

Sunday, June 1st from 10am until 3pm

A fun-filled day of free emergency preparedness activities including a live demonstration of first responders and animal rescue volunteers rescuing “injured” humans and animals during a simulated disaster. BRC will be on hand with lots of fun educational exhibits. Information

Sunday, June 22nd from 10am until 4pm

Trail walks with knowledgeable docents through the Hallberg Gardens is sure to include lots of birds, butterflies and wildflowers. An education center with display common butterfly host plants, an insect display, interactive learning materials and some of BRC's Ambassadors. Free Admission

Check our website for more information about upcoming events.