By Nikki Buxton | Executive Director
We are slowly winding down after a super-busy breeding season during which we saw an amazing 165 patients representing 38 different species. This included 84 parrots, 59 songbirds and doves, 7 toucans, and 7 raptors. Many were sick or injured, but well over half were orphaned babies needing hand-rearing. Owners of captive birds surrendered 32 parrots during this period, and the Forest Department confiscated 15 others from the illegal pet trade.
Despite the heavy caseload, we celebrated 90 releases: 33 parrots, 25 raptors, 22 songbirds and forest birds, 5 toucans, and 5 waterbirds. Some highlights included the release of a boat-billed heron and a black-bellied whistling duck, both of whom surprised us with their remarkable recovery. Just as exciting were the long-term parrot rehab cases that finally earned their chance to “Fly Free.”
Some of our most memorable patients this season carried powerful stories. Sniffles the parrot arrived struggling to breathe with a nasty upper respiratory infection, but after weeks of dedicated care from our team, she made a full recovery and now enjoys the company of her flockmates. A majestic stygian owl came to us after being injured by stones thrown by villagers. Though he lost several flight feathers, he continues to inspire as a reminder of why awareness and compassion are so vital.
We also welcomed a surge of surrendered parrots of all ages. Some came from loving homes where owners recognized that a wild parrot belongs in the forest, while others arrived in far worse condition. Thanks to our partnership with the Forest Department and their new hotline, people now have safe, confidential ways to report or surrender captive birds—helping us tackle the illegal pet trade one bird at a time.
On the field side, our team completed a successful month supporting TIDE with yellow-headed Amazon chick monitoring and nest protection. We are proud to report the release of 16 hand-raised chicks from at-risk nests in 2024—each one a vital step toward boosting this endangered species’ wild population.
Our rehab intern Miguel had a true baptism of fire during this hectic season. From hand-feeding chicks to supporting complex raptor care, he has learned quickly and become an invaluable part of the team. Moments like watching a once-frail chick take its first strong flight have been just as rewarding for him as for the rest of us. For more behind-the-scenes stories like these, please subscribe to our monthly newsletter.
Finally, none of this would be possible without you—our supporters. Your generosity ensures that Belize’s wild birds receive the care, protection, and second chances they deserve. From every beak and feather at Belize Bird Rescue: thank you for making this work possible.
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