Volunteers are essential!

Volunteers are the lifeblood of Bird TLC. It is with their help and effort that we're able to do what we do.

Rehabilitation Volunteers

Bird TLC treats hundreds of wild birds each year from chickadees and robins to owls and eagles. Volunteers provide them with care and rehabilitation 7 days a week year-round in morning and afternoon shifts. This offers an unparalleled hands-on learning experience for anyone wanting to know more about the rehabilitation, feeding, and day-to-day care of sick and injured wild birds. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one four hour shift each week for six months. Special time commitments, such as every day in the summer, can be accommodated.

Education Volunteers

Education volunteers inspire others to care about wild birds through off-site presentations at schools, camps, community events, and on-site programs for youth and adults. Some of these programs feature Bird TLC's Ambassador Birds, which we could not release to the wild.

You'll join a team of presenters who train Ambassador Birds using operant conditioning (positive reinforcement), become familiar with a species' natural history and behavior, and provide care and enrichment for Ambassador Birds. 

Education volunteers must follow the education training program, which includes a minimum of 12 programs a year, at least one education shift per week (including training and caretaking), and bimonthly training meetings.

INJURED Bird RESCUERS & TRANSPORTERS

Volunteers are needed on occasion to rescue and/or transport birds sent to Bird TLC from around the state. Since timing may be essential to the survival of these birds, those who volunteer for this valuable service can know they are part of a team dedicated to helping our birds survive and fly free!

Volunteer requirements

  • Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, or 16 with a parent or guardian present.

  • We ask volunteers to commit to one shift a week for at least 6 months due to the training involved. We have morning and afternoon shifts available.

  • Volunteers must provide proof of current tetanus vaccination.

  • Volunteers must provide proof of current COVID-19 vaccination.

  • Volunteer rescuers and transporters must provide proof of auto insurance.

  • Volunteers must pass a background check before they can begin their first shift. There is a $15 fee for background checks.

    If you are interested in volunteering, simply fill out the form below or click here for a printable volunteer application.

Thank you!