Spring Has Sprung & Baby Season Has Begun!
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
May is when our hospital really starts humming (or should we say chirping!) Baby Bird Season is officially here and we are ramping up for another busy year. As with most years, the 2026 season eased its way in with the arrival of our first baby hummingbirds in March. By mid-April, it was in full force with an early season high of 31 birds admitted in a single day, giving us a taste of what June will bring as that tends to be our busiest month.
As we settle into the rhythms of another busy year, we want to share some of the stories you are making possible. Every time you choose to get involved, you offer a second chance to birds in need. And no matter how you choose to help—rescuing a bird, volunteering your time, donating food or supplies, or funding our work—you are a big part of this journey. Thank You!
Great Horned Owl Baby Reunited With His Family
Young and helpless, this baby Great Horned Owl was rescued after falling from his nest. Observant property owners noticed his parents' unusual behavior and discovered they were feeding and protecting this tiny ball of fluff on the ground. When our field rescue team arrived, the watchful parents were none too happy we were taking their baby, but he was way too young to be out of the nest, even with attentive parents around.
Our medical team confirmed the youngster was only about two weeks old. He was in good condition, well hydrated with no injuries and, as we soon learned, a very good eater!
Since he was medically okay, our Raptor Release Team went to work on a plan to reunite him with his family as soon as possible. Time was critical, both to reduce the risk of him imprinting on humans as well as preventing his parents from abandoning the nest if no other babies were present.
The first challenge was finding the nest. We knew it was in a dense stand of Redwood trees, but that thick cover made it hard to determine exactly where. While the nest itself proved impossible to spot from the ground, by observing the adult owls' behavior we were able to discover which tree it was in. Long-time arborist and BRC friend, Merlin Schlumberger answered our call and came to help. A veteran "re-nester", his experience and expertise proved invaluable in getting this family back together!
Once up in the tree, Merlin was able to spot the nest. Mom and Dad were close by, active and vocal in showing their displeasure with the intrusion. And as Merlin moved closer to the nest, we discovered why. Our baby had a sibling!
Deftly depositing our baby beside his sibling, Merlin eased away from the nest and the parents got right to work, feeding and caring for both their young.
The watchful finders have confirmed everything continues to be well and we can celebrate as another successful family reunion is in the books!
W Ninth Street Rookery Project
Waterbirds are some of the most majestic of our local native species. Each year, we take in hundreds of them, mostly from a rookery in Santa Rosa on W Ninth Street that has been completely surrounded by urban development.
Now relegated to just the trees growing within this busy street's center median, the rookery is teeming with life, especially during baby season. Year after year, it inspires a wonderful partnership between residents, city government, schools and nonprofits who all work together to ensure these birds are protected.
As nesting season begins, it is inevitable some babies are knocked out of their nests in the crowded branches. To protect them, the City issues permits to block the traffic lanes closest to the median. Members of Madrone Audubon Society and volunteers spread straw matting to soften the landing of any falling chicks. Meanwhile, local residents rescue those found on the ground and bring them to BRC to begin their healing journeys back to the wild.
BRC is grateful to be part of this partnership whose members include dedicated local citizens, our sister organization and waterbird specialists International Bird Rescue, Madrone Audubon Society and the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation.
So far this season, we've received Snowy Egrets, Great Egrets, Black Crowned Night Herons and Cattle Egrets. With the season just getting underway, we have no doubt there will be many more to come.
You can become part of this vital community effort by funding this life-saving work. Your donations will literally save lives. To make a gift, click here.
Event Calendar - Come Join the Fun!
 | Check out our upcoming events—there's sure to be something for everyone—avian displays, games, and practical ways to be a good wild bird neighbor! Some events will also include our Ambassadors, so make sure you come by and say 'Hi!'
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 | Sunday, June 28th | 10am Hallberg Butterfly Gardens' Open Gardens Day 8687 Oak Grove Ave, Sebastopol Open Gardens Day is a free annual event that is open to the public. Celebrating native plants, pollinator conservation, and the beauty of the gardens, there are activities available for all ages. | |
 | Saturday, July 11th | 10am - 12pm BRC Summer Open House 3430 Chanate Road, Santa Rosa Birdwatching is for everyone! Join us for a fun morning learning how to take advantage of all the wonderful birdwatching opportunities here in Sonoma County - including your own backyard! |
We talk a lot about Baby Bird Season. The truth is, your support helps birds in need all year long. Your time, empathy and financial gifts do a lot more than you may realize. So for all that you do...
Thank you!
The Bird Rescue Center
PO Box 475
Santa Rosa, CA 95402
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