MAKING A HOUSE FOR OWLS

Wild Bird Rescue Institute of Taichung,Xinlung Community Development Association

Each year we care for hundreds of birds, the list is simply endless! Wrens, tits, finches, sparrows, dunnocks, robins, swifts, swallows, house martins, nuthatches, starlings, thrush, blackbirds, rooks, jackdaws, crows, kingfishers, woodpeckers, feral pigeons, wood pigeons, collared doves, doves, ducks, chickens, geese, moorhens, crested grebes, curlews, herons, cormorants, grouse, quail, pheasants, gulls, sparrow hawks, owls, kestrels and buzzards to name but a few. Birds of prey are treated on an emergency basis and relocated to specialist rescues as soon as possible.
A large majority of birds are the victims of road traffic accidents and predator attacks. Weather plays a part too; snow and ice, along with extended periods of drought can have a detrimental effect upon wildlife. Many birds are brought to the rescue as chicks, some have fallen from the nest, many are attacked as fledglings, and many nests are disturbed/damaged as a result of tree felling, shrub and hedge pruning and the removal of climbing plants such as ivy or vines. Nests are often blown from trees during high winds which can also blow migrating birds off course.
Many birds are born with deformities, while some are diseased, or infected with viruses.
Often birds are the victims of freak accidents, some fall down chimneys, get ensnared in tight spots or fly into windows, usually when fireworks are set off.
Our aim is to release all wild birds. If a bird is unable to fly due to extensive injuries that cannot be treated, it is, unfortunately, euthanized by a vet.
All our birds are treated by a vet upon admission and throughout their stay with us. Each bird has a specific dietary requirement and is individually catered for. Once fit and healthy, they are placed in aviaries where they are monitored prior to release. Birds are always released in an environment that is suitable for their individual needs.
Chicks of all types are hand reared by our staff until they are able to feed themselves, staff regularly take very young/vulnerable chicks home each evening to provide extra feeds and warmth.
Many garden birds are released in our wildlife garden which is close to natural woodland and food and water are supplied daily.
Water birds have a specially designed water aviary which ensures that their feathers are fully waterproofed pre- release and our owls take advantage of the owl boxes available in our aviaries.