Turning Darkness Into Light!
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Longer Days, Lots of Babies—It Must Be June!
While the focus right now is on baby season—and we have a ton of them—we wanted to share a special story of rescue and recovery about a California Towhee who recently experienced his own Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Fortunately, he landed in the right place. Read his story below and know that his happy ending, like so many others, was only possible because of your support!
Turning Darkness Into Light
Dark days. We’ve all had them. The kind where nothing goes according to plan. Big things, small things, life-altering things—everything seems beyond our control. There’s even a movie called The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. That perfectly describes February 15th, 2026 for one California Towhee.
It all began with an unscheduled flight inside a local home. He struck a window while trying to escape, then was caught by the family cat only to end up stuck in a sticky trap meant for rodents. The finders attempted to release him from the sticky trap using olive oil, then brought him to BRC because things were definitely not looking good.
Most of the birds who find their way to us are having days that are ‘so not good’. Most are in pain, many in shock, and a few are barely clinging to life. We aren’t able to save them all, but none of them would survive without our help—and a lot of them do get a second chance to fly free.
Click here to read the full story...
Recent Wind Storm Affected Birds, Too
The severe wind storm that hit our area in mid-May downed trees, damaged homes and even caused death and injury. We humans weren't the only ones impacted by this storm, however. New patients arriving as a result of that storm more than doubled our daily average for May.
Most of them were babies, some the result of fallen trees, others because their nests collapsed, more who simply were blown out of their trees. The storm lasted two days, and its aftermath led to additional patients as clean-up began. In all, we received 68 birds representing 22 different species in that three-day span. The babies with no nests to return to will remain with us until they are able to survive on their own. Below are some of the faces we're caring for as a result of the storm. Until they are ready to return to the wild, we're more than happy to provide them safe lodgings as they grow up!
Shopping List: Food, Housing & More
PRODUCE
Wild birds' diets vary with the seasons, and summer brings a variety of food options that are full of natural nutrients. Fresh produce like berries, carrots, apples, oranges, leafy greens (not iceberg), and yams from the farmer's market, your local grocer or even your own backyard garden, will help keep both our pantry and the hundreds of birds we are caring for full!
EGGS
Eggs are an excellent, year round source of natural protein. Right now, our patients are consuming about five dozen of them each and every day! An extra dozen for our pantry whenever you are shopping will help feed a lot of hungry mouths.
AVIARIES
Soft-sided pet carriers make perfect mini aviaries for our smaller patients in the clinic. We use both the 20" and 42" sizes. Their soft sides prevent feather damage as our patients grow and recover before being able to move outside into our larger aviaries. If you are able to help, your generosity will be making little miracles possible each and every day!
Click here for 20" Carrier - Green or Camouflage
Click here for 42" Carrier - Green or Camouflage
DIETARY TRAYS
Dietary trays for our feeding stations are in constant use, and with our hospital wards filling rapidly, additional trays will help keep diet prep and feeding schedules moving ahead smoothly.
Food Delivery Reminder
Please call 707-523-2473 before dropping off eggs and fresh produce so we can make room in the cooler for your generous donations!
Homegrown Eggs: Please hard boil before bringing them - make sure you mark the date on the carton
Store-bought Eggs: Can be either raw or hard boiled
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!'
| |
 | 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 hope to see you at one of our upcoming events.
Please know how grateful we are for your ongoing support. From volunteering your time, to rescuing birds in need, to providing the funds that keep our hospital and education programs running smoothly, for all that you do...
Thank you!
The Bird Rescue Center
PO Box 475
Santa Rosa, CA 95402
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