I happened into caring for wildlife completely by accident. It started
with a single little English Sparrow I raised. I loved her and found
it so satisfying to help this little life along, to be so close to
the natural world and feel part of it. Then I raised four baby squirrels
that I found in my yard, but it was a little baby seagull which
changed everything for me. Read Sam's
Story.
It took me a little while to get permitted. I wanted to wait until
I could have a nice house and yard to do it in but, because someone
called the authorities, I got a stern warning that I either needed
to stop or get my permit.
So my hand was forced. I kept things small for some time but did
everything I possibly could to help the people who called me
with whatever the animal dilemma was on the other line.
Other rehabbers call me Can't-Say-No-Jodi, but I do have
to say “no” sometimes. I have to say no to mammals,
although I love raising them. But there are so few federally permitted
rehabbers in the state that do birds and many more state permitted
people to do mammals. Our songbirds are disappearing and I want to
be part of something that helps to make up for the damage we
do to them.
Raising birds is very time consuming and expensive. I'm a state
and federally permitted wildlife rehabilitator specializing in songbirds
and various oceanic birds, mostly local seagulls, herring to be specific,
but also black back. I generally raise and release orphaned songbirds
and herring gulls, and treat adult birds with minor injuries depending
on the time of the year.
Last year I had over 300 patients in my care, and expect to pass
that this year. In the slow seasons I intern at New England Wildlife
Center to gain knowledge on the medical aspects of treating injured
or ill wildlife. I attend symposiums and take courses to keep up
and to refine my skills, again in the slow season, which is late
fall to early spring. The costs to raise orphaned and injured wildlife are
tremendous; on average it costs nearly $50 per songbird and $75
per gull. Medical expenses, pharmaceuticals, caging including outdoor
aviaries and pre-release cages, cleaning supplies, diets including
insects --- a single insect-eating bird like a woodpecker can eat
hundreds a day. I need to pay for extra housing, higher water
bills, and higher electricity, aside from trying to make a living with
my small business which suffers greatly during the baby bird season.
I appreciate the help and support I have received and am very grateful
for any assistance you can lend.
Thank you,
Jodi
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