This is one of the hardest things we have to explain.
We care deeply about every wild bird. Saying no never feels good. But the reality is we are a small rescue, run from our home, and we both work. That means we must focus on the birds we can genuinely help and give the best chance of survival.
If we tried to take everything, we would quickly become overwhelmed. And overwhelmed rescues do not help birds. They become hoarding situations where standards drop and welfare suffers.
That is something we will never allow.
Different Birds Need Different Facilities
Not all birds can be cared for in the same way. Some species require very specialist facilities.
Gulls
Gulls need large outdoor aviaries, deep water bathing areas, and often long term rehabilitation. They are strong, messy, and require significant space and time. Without proper facilities, their welfare suffers.
Swifts
Swifts are incredibly specialised birds. They cannot perch. They require specialist feeding and safe housing without any bars or cages. They need experienced handling and controlled flight conditioning before release. They also require safe, appropriate release sites.
Raptors
Birds of prey such as owls, buzzards, kestrels and hawks require specialist licences, experienced handling, and large flight aviaries for rehabilitation. These birds are powerful, easily stressed, and can injure themselves or handlers if not managed correctly.
Without the correct facilities and experience, their welfare is compromised.
Licensing Requirements
Some species, particularly birds of prey, require specific licences and additional compliance. These licences ensure that birds are housed, handled, and rehabilitated safely and legally.
At present, we do not hold the necessary licences for raptors, and we do not have the specialist facilities required for their rehabilitation.
This is not about unwillingness. It is about doing things properly and legally. These birds need specialist centres set up specifically for their needs.
Time Matters
We both work alongside running the rescue. That means we cannot provide round the clock care for species that require constant feeding and monitoring.
Some birds need feeding every 20 minutes to one hour. Others need constant supervision. Without that level of care, their chances of survival drop significantly.
We refuse to take birds if we know we cannot provide what they need. That would not be fair on them.
We Must Focus on What We Can Do Well
We concentrate on the birds we are properly equipped to care for. This allows us to maintain high standards and give each bird the best possible chance.
Taking everything would mean
• Reduced care quality
• Increased stress for birds
• Overcrowding
• Increased disease risk
• Burnout and closure of the rescue
None of that helps wildlife.
Not a Hoarding Situation
We will never take birds simply to say yes. Wildlife rescue is about welfare, not numbers.
It is far better for a bird to go to a rescue with the correct facilities than to be taken somewhere that cannot meet its needs.
Saying no is never about not caring. It is about caring enough to do the right thing.
We Will Always Try to Help
Even if we cannot take a bird, we will always try to
• Offer advice
• Help locate another rescue
• Provide guidance on immediate care
• Support where we can
We are all working toward the same goal. Helping wildlife.
Thank you for understanding that sometimes the kindest answer is not always the easiest one 🤍🐦
