Get Inspired About Wild Bird Care ...
For Free!
For Free!
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Do you feel like you want to help sick or injured birds but aren't sure what is involved?
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Do you feel like you want to “give back” to nature?
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Are you inspired by wildlife conservation stories but are unsure how best to help?
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Have you ever found a sick or injured bird and not known what to do?
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Are you inspired by someone that cares for injured wildlife and want to help?
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This FREE short course will introduce you to the basic requirements in caring for wild birds.
Meet Mandy Roberston
Wildlife Rehabilitator
Co-Founder, Learn Bird Care
I had always wanted to be involved with animals and had that opportunity when we moved to New Zealand and lived on a lifestyle block in Auckland. I rescued a few goslings, ducklings and pukeko chicks and successfully reared and released them all.
But one day I was presented with an adult Scaup, which is a diving duck, and it had been hit by a car. I had no idea what to do, so I did the usual thing and got onto ‘Google’ and searched for information. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on how you look at it, I could find no information that was of help. So, I did what I thought was the next best thing and contacted the local vet.
As it turned out, it was the best decision I could have made (it should have been my first!), as they put me in touch with a local bird rescue centre. I took the duck straight round to them, and on watching them handle the duck, give it the initial first aid that was necessary to save its life, I knew that this is what I wanted to do!
But one day I was presented with an adult Scaup, which is a diving duck, and it had been hit by a car. I had no idea what to do, so I did the usual thing and got onto ‘Google’ and searched for information. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on how you look at it, I could find no information that was of help. So, I did what I thought was the next best thing and contacted the local vet.
As it turned out, it was the best decision I could have made (it should have been my first!), as they put me in touch with a local bird rescue centre. I took the duck straight round to them, and on watching them handle the duck, give it the initial first aid that was necessary to save its life, I knew that this is what I wanted to do!
In 2003, working under the guidance of experienced rehabilitators, I started my own rescue centre. Initially l cared for all creatures – rabbits, hedgehogs, pet mice and birds, domestic fowl and wild birds. When I started the Wild Bird Care Charitable Trust in 2009, it was decided the rescue centre should focus on just birds.
I was taking in up to 1200 birds a year, and in 2015 we (my husband and I) decided it was time for a change and started the process of closing the Whitford Bird Rescue Centre before moving to Tauranga. Our Trust continues to operate, but on moving to Tauranga, Janelle and I formed Learn Bird Care Ltd so we could share the knowledge we have both learned over the years of working with birds.
We hope to encourage people who have a love of wildlife, to take up the challenge of caring for birds when they are in need of a helping hand.
We developed this Introductory Course specifically for people who perhaps know only a little about wild bird rescue and care but are interested and keen to know more.
I was taking in up to 1200 birds a year, and in 2015 we (my husband and I) decided it was time for a change and started the process of closing the Whitford Bird Rescue Centre before moving to Tauranga. Our Trust continues to operate, but on moving to Tauranga, Janelle and I formed Learn Bird Care Ltd so we could share the knowledge we have both learned over the years of working with birds.
We hope to encourage people who have a love of wildlife, to take up the challenge of caring for birds when they are in need of a helping hand.
We developed this Introductory Course specifically for people who perhaps know only a little about wild bird rescue and care but are interested and keen to know more.
Why do people rehabilitate wildlife?
Is it worthwhile? What equipment and resources do you need? Will the birds make it back to full health?
After participating in this course, you may decide that wild bird rescue is not for you, or you might be so inspired that you can’t wait to know more!
This free introductory course will broaden your understanding of what it takes and what is involved in wild bird rehabilitation, and you will be in a good position to decide what’s next and what is right for you.
Join us on a journey of learning and gain insight into the wonderful world of wild bird care!
After participating in this course, you may decide that wild bird rescue is not for you, or you might be so inspired that you can’t wait to know more!
This free introductory course will broaden your understanding of what it takes and what is involved in wild bird rehabilitation, and you will be in a good position to decide what’s next and what is right for you.
Join us on a journey of learning and gain insight into the wonderful world of wild bird care!
INTRODUCTION TO WILD BIRD REHABILITATION
In this FREE short course, you'll learn..
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The process of wild bird rehabilitation – from rescue to release.
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What essential equipment you need in your wild bird rescue kit.
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The legal requirements of native bird rehabilitation.
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Step-by-step tips on how to rescue a sick or injured bird.
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How to keep yourself safe from injuries or illness.
COURSE OVERVIEW
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1
Section 1 - Introduction
- How to navigate your course
- Welcome
- Learning Outcomes
- What is Wildlife Rehabilitation?
- Why do we do it!
- New Zealand wildlife at a glance
- What it takes to be a Wildlife Rehabilitator
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2
Section 2 - Process of Wildlife Rehabilitation
- Rehabilitation Process
- Native or Exotic?
- Bird Rescue Tips
- Quiz Time!
What Others Have Said
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I live in Denver, CO, United States, and I'd been volunteering at a local wild bird rescue and rehab center, and even if the bird species we have here are not the same as the ones showed on the course, all the info about the handling, care, and tips for treating wild birds was extremely helpful and beautifully presented!
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― Gilda Bittolo
"A clear and concise introduction. I am keen to learn much more." ― Kiya Nancarrow
"Thank you for the basic introduction to how to rescue a bird and think about all the possibility of how to save a bird that's in danger. I did this with my father and I've been volunteering at Kuaotunu Bird Care centre. Thank you for making such a good, detailed project." ― JJ Twemlow
"A clear and concise introduction. I am keen to learn much more." ― Kiya Nancarrow
"Thank you for the basic introduction to how to rescue a bird and think about all the possibility of how to save a bird that's in danger. I did this with my father and I've been volunteering at Kuaotunu Bird Care centre. Thank you for making such a good, detailed project." ― JJ Twemlow
Not Sure if This Course is for You?
Review Your Options
OPTION 1 |
OPTION 2 |
OPTION 3 |
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The next time you discover an injured bird on the side of the road, will you know what to do? You can leave it there, but it will suffer unnecessarily, or you could rescue it yourself – but will you actually help it? You might make things worse! |
You can try to find free information and resources online – but can you trust the creators of that information? Our tutors have collective experience of over 25 years! |
Enroll in Introduction to Wild Bird Rehabilitation. Improve animal welfare outcomes and learn new skills. Gain confidence and knowledge with our skilled tutors helping you to help wild birds in need. |
Still Have Questions?
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Who is this course for?
This course is for anyone of any age that has an interest or concern for sick and injured (or abandoned) wild birds. Parental guidance is recommended for those under the age of 16. This course gives a broad overview of what is involved through the whole rehabilitation process and will also give you specific tips on how to help an injured bird, whilst keeping yourself safe.
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Will this course prepare me to be a wildlife rehabilitator?
This course is a simple introductory course and is not in-depth enough if you wish to become a wildlife carer, for that you will need to see our other courses! However, this free intro course will give you a good understanding of the many aspects involved in the care of wild birds that will help you to understand the broader picture, the process of rehabilitation and all the different aspects involved with keeping wild bird in captivity. It is also a good introduction to our style of courses.
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What if I’m not good with illness or blood?
There are many ways that you can help in the field of wildlife rehabilitation. Rehabbers are a special bunch of people that see sickness and injury every day – this can be very emotionally draining and is not for everyone. But how about preparing food, fundraising, cleaning or driving the car for wildlife rescues? There are many ways that you can help and you don’t need to be there full-time to support birds (and their carers!) in need.
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What if I decide it’s not the right course for me?
There is no risk with this free course! It doesn’t take long to get through and you do not have to complete it if you find it is not what you are looking for.
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Will I get a qualification at the end?
Introduction to Wild Bird Rehabilitation is a free course designed to give you a basic overview of what is involved in the process of wildlife rehabilitation. You won’t get a qualification with this course, but with other Learn Bird Care courses you will gain a certificate of completion or Continuing Education points.
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Is there a specific start or completion date?
You can start the course anytime, but must complete it within 6 months of initial registration. Any of the downloadable content is yours to keep permanently for review as you need it.