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Whether injured, unwell or simply lost, birds in need of care find refuge at the award-winning Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre.
Founded by Robert and Robyn Webb in 1992, the centre welcomes both native and non-native birds who need medical care, nurturance and rehabilitation.
Located adjacent to Kiwi North in Whangarei, the centre receives birds from veterinarians as well as the public, from communities as far south as Mangawhai to Dargaville and north to Pukenui.
Over 1200 birds are rescued and rehabilitated at the centre annually, with an impressive success rate of birds being released back into their natural habitat. For birds whose injuries prevent them from living independently in the wild, the centre becomes their home, where they play a vital role in its education and breeding programmes.
The centre also contributes to the kiwi recovery programme in collaboration with the Department of Conservation.
Assistant manager Erin Dinneen says there are a range of reasons why birds are brought to the centre for care, with seasonal intakes being quite common.
“We had a huge influx of Cook’s petrels during the recent storms in Northland. They were battered and disoriented by the weather and driven inland. We took in 30 in three weeks with 90 per cent being successfully released,” he says.
“The public response was amazing, with people driving from Mangawhai and Kerikeri seeking help for these gorgeous birds. A few days rest and shelter were all that was needed in most cases.”
Dinneen says car strikes are common for kereru/native woodpigeon and harrier hawks, with household window strikes an issue for kotare/kingfishers, tauhou/silvereye and tui.
“Nesting season always pushes our resources to the limits with birds being pushed or jumping from the nests prematurely. This is when our long-term care moves into top gear.
“With 30 to 60 day fledging periods, feeding and attention mean a lot of volunteers will become surrogate parents.”
Centre visitors are offered a unique glimpse and understanding of the care and conservation of New Zealand’s precious wildlife. There are opportunities for people to get up close and personal with animals, including Sparky the one-legged kiwi, the centre’s ambassador, who travels to schools and other public forums to help promote the preservation of the country’s wildlife.
“Sparky is Robert’s baby, the two are inextricably linked as Robert has raised him since he was three weeks old – he is currently 18,” Dinneen says. “Sparky is a poster Kiwi for the importance of his species and plays a massive educational role.”
The centre also runs education programmes for the 6000 schoolchildren who visit every year, offers valuable guidance to local landowners about wild bird care and habitat preservation and advises veterinarians and zoos on various treatments for wild birds.
Funded solely on public donations with no government financial help, the non-profit organisation runs on the dedication of three staff and a passionate eight-strong flock of bird-loving volunteers.
Dinneen says the work is extremely rewarding but also heartbreaking at times.
“Seeing the most unlikely of cases making it against the odds and the variety of species coming through our doors is what gets me out of bed in the morning,” he says. “What stands out however, is the compassion, passion and care of the individuals that fuel the drive to serve the birds. The public relies on us, we are always here and ready to do our very best.”
To find out more or become a friend of the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre and to donate to the centre, visit www.nbr.org.nz
