We Care for Alaska’s Wild Birds

OUR MISSION

To care and advocate for Alaska’s wild birds through rehabilitation, education, and outreach.


Bird Treatment and Learning Center (Bird TLC) began as a handful of volunteers working under the guidance of James R. Scott, DVM, at Arctic Animal Hospital. We became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1988.

After outgrowing the animal hospital, we operated out of rental locations until we could build our current rehabilitation clinic. At the 4,000-square-foot clinic above the birding hotspot of Potter Marsh, we care for over 500 injured, ill, and orphaned wild birds from across the state.

In addition to rehabilitating injured, ill, and orphaned wild birds, we offer youth and adult education programs, some of which feature our non-releasable Ambassador Birds.

Bird Treatment and Learning Center operates under permits issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. We receive no local, state, or federal funding, relying solely on donations.


Dr. Scott treats an eagle injured during the Exxon Valdez oil spill.

Dr. Scott treats an eagle injured during the Exxon Valdez oil spill.

Dr. James Scott

Bird TLC’s founder, Dr. James Scott, DVM, passed away on January 25th, 2017. We are grateful for his compassion for and care of the wild birds of Alaska.

Dr. Scott educated many children about the importance of environmental concerns, especially after the Exxon Valdez oil spill. He was the recipient of multiple awards for his veterinary service, as well as the Pfizer Merit Award for activities in Civil Defense following the Alaska Earthquake. He was honored by President Reagan with the Take Pride in America award.