International Bird Rescue

As a board member and volunteer, I believe that time and energy put into IBR is great exercise for your brain and heart. Check out our website, apply to become a volunteer, show up ready to learn a lot and work hard, and go home a different, more fulfilled person. Teach others about seabirds in the wild and how humans can help them out. Get certified to assist in oil spill events. Talk with others outside the U.S. about their wildlife programs and read the books by experts. Make donations and get others excited to do the same. Have spirited conversations about how we help birds get better. Just act on it and move.

It’s sometimes difficult to explain why the considerable cleaning jobs are rewarding to me, but being around the birds—from the tiniest shorebirds to the huge pelican s- and the friendly, dedicated staff make it worthwhile. I’ve had the opportunity to handle birds while they were examined, tube-fed or medicated. To see chicks and ducklings raised to a point they can survive in the wild, or very sick or injured birds healed to the point they can be released is incredibly inspiring and heartwarming. Call me crazy, I love these beautiful (albeit very messy) creatures!

I've been a volunteer at International Bird Rescue for over five years. I work with the dedicated staff and other volunteers in the care and feeding of rescued wild sea birds. The Los Angeles center is a clinic for injured and ill seabirds and gives the birds from pelicans to plovers a second chance at life. I've seen birds in extreme distress be healed and re-released into the wild.

International Bird Rescue is a truly amazing place with committed staff and volunteers who are making the world a better place one bird at a time.

I worked here as an intern in 2011 and the experience inspired my career path to veterinary medicine. It is an incredible team of decades-long volunteers making a difference for birds.

I have been a proud donor and supporter of the International Bird Rescue since I witnesses the amazing volunteers at work. They were so kind in informing the public of all the potential dangers to the birds and how we can make a better world for everyone. My kids loved watching the release of the rehabilitated birds back into the wild. Watching them fly away healthy was a sight I will never forget.

I have volunteered at IBR for the past three years and it is a privilege to work there. The staff are friendly and take time to train and share the workload. Yes, there's a lot of cleaning, washing up and feeding but I regularly handle birds, give meds and assess new intakes., which makes the experience very rewarding. The environment is very positive and the occasional wildlife crisis is handled calmly and successfully. IBR constantly lives by the mantra that every bird matters.

IBR is a priceless resource for California. They provide medical care for injured and oiled shorebirds. Their staff and volunteers work tirelessly feeding and providing care and rehabilitation for the injured birds at their center. I delivered a couple of wounded birds to them throughout the years. Now that I'm retired, I volunteer there. It's an honor and a privilege to work alongside their dedicated staff and volunteers. I can't imagine what the community (all of California) would do without them. They have the experience, equipment, and training to respond to botulism outbreaks throughout CA, as well as, deploying for oil spill events to rescue injured and oiled birds. Thanks to IBR for their invaluable role in protecting native and migrating birds in CA.

The experiences I had at IBR are unforgettable. Everyone is so helpful and united under a dedicated cause to help all birds in need. I will always cherish the people I have met through this program and the amazing feeling of releasing these birds back into the wild. The work they do here is amazing and certainly a vital part of the bird community here in California.

I have been volunteering at IBR for about 1 year and love it. The facility is well designed for its specific purpose, well run, and the clinic/care staff are wonderful. They are professional, great with caring for and saving birds, and generous to the volunteers with their time and knowledge. It is by far one of the best rescue operations in the area. I am proud to be able to contribute to their mission.

I have been a very proud volunteer for 20 years. During my time, I have been continually amazed by the work, skill and expertise of staff. The knowledge passed on to me has made such a major impact in my life. Through this organization, I have learned the true meaning of empathy and have been taught "to think like a bird.". To see a helpless bird come into care and then watch the rehab process to eventual release and a second chance at life is remarkable. Hard work, countless hours during baby season and when responding to an event, while always remaining positive and determined is an example that is amazing. My life changed in such a positive way while being part of this remarkable organization.

IBR has been a staple in the oil spill response community for over 50 years. The environment in the clinics and offices is fantastic, and every employee I've met has been so passionate about wildlife and creating a better world for both humans and birds. Highly recommend

We brought them a great blue heron fledgling that had fallen from the nest high up in an Aleppo pine in Silver Lake, Los Angeles. They did a phenomenal job with medical care, housing and ongoing care for the fledgling as it grew, ultimately releasing it back to the wild. We were kept informed of the bird's health and progress the entire few months, and were honored to be included in the release to a viable section of the LA River wetlands. This is only one specific example. They are involved in every oil-related disaster to birds up and down the southern CA coast, having originated with the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska. Dedicated, informed and experienced personnel plus volunteers fill their roster. Absolutely worth supporting. You can see the rescue here: https://www.change.org/p/let-s-establish-a-silver-lake-wildlife-sanctuary/u/29096613 and the release here: https://www.change.org/p/let-s-establish-a-silver-lake-wildlife-sanctuary/u/29246766

I'm a donor and a volunteer. The people who work and volunteer here truly care, and they do great work. I have much love for seabirds and there's no better place to rehabilitate them than IBR. They care for every seabird, from the common mallard duck to the occasional booby, albatross, or puffin that finds its way there. They've got an impressive release record. The work this organization does gives me hope.

Since 2008 I have seen how IBR brings together kind, hardworking, dedicated people from all walks of life to take a bird (or other oiled animal) from death's doorstep, through the center where they get the care and treatment they need, then transported to an appropriate place for release so they can continue their lives. From the simple case of an orphaned bird that needs only food water warmth and a safe place to grow up enough to survive on their own, to the most complicated cases that can require multiple surgeries and months in care, every bird matters and gets its best chance at returning to its home. Sponsor companies who donate their products are key in this process too, like Dawn and Simple Green. How can you help? Donate time, money and or supplies, help raise awareness, participate in and support environmental preservation and cleanup and responsible disposal of trash and other hazardous waste.

The staff has been great to me and always show a great deal of care for their volunteers. As someone who wanted to get hands-on animal training but didn't find many places that would allow me to do so, this place was perfect with all the training I have received. I still do some of the dirty work but we all take our turns with it. The other volunteers are as great as the staff. I've been there for over a year and plan on keeping on going for as long as I can.

I been volunteering for IBR since 2011. I wanted to rehab wildlife and IBR was the closes place. I didn't really know anything about birds when I started, but all the staff are patient teachers and I have learned so much. Seeing all the beautiful, amazing birds get better and return to the wild makes all the work worth it.

I have been a volunteer at IBRC since 2009 and am amazed at the dedication of both the staff and my fellow volunteers. Both take the time to teach and encourage everyone to do the best they can for the birds in care. I never imagined I would be able to have such an impact on some of the most delicate and some of the largest birds in this area. It has been the most amazing experience in my life.

The world of wildlife rehabilitation introduced to me by IBRC has been the most rewarding experience of my life. The dedicated staff are certainly not in their career for the money. They work long, demanding and challenging days to give life back to the disabled and sometimes abused birds that come to the hospital. During baby season, it is common for staff to work 12+ hours, day in and day out. Every procedure and protocol is constantly reviewed and assessed with the thought 'we can improve our care for these amazing animals.' It has been a privilege and honor to be a volunteer with this incredible organization for 10 years. Through my journey of animal care, I have learned so many things that enrich my life every day. Going to the beach or taking a walk out in nature should would be a sterile place if it weren't for the birds. Thank goodness IBRC is there to care for our precious gifts of nature when they are sick or injured. I do believe I have contributed myself to help save birds, but believe me, the birds have done a thousand times more to save me. Please give your support to this superior organization. Thank you.

I've been working alongside International Bird Rescue's Oil Spill Response Team for many years. They are super dedicated group of folks that have worked on spills all over the world – including many where there was no reporting party and no funds were promised. When their team's are mobilized, they hit the ground running with the primary object of helping wildlife in distress.

The South Africa spill is a good testament of their passion and teamwork: http://bird-rescue.org/success-stories/saving-20,000-penguins.aspx

I have only been a volunteer at IBR for a short time and I am amazed at the dedication of the staff and fellow volunteers. I wish more people were aware of the IBR's invaluable service and would also volunteer to help these selfless individuals and the birds they treat.

I have volunteered at the IBR for over two years. I have found the staff expreamly knowledgeable and hard working. The center provides valuable care for oiled and injured seabirds.

You will never meet a more dedicated, knowledgeable and hardworking staff than that of International Bird Rescue. As a volunteer and donor since 2007, I have constantly been impressed by the impact that Bird Rescue has on its clients (the birds) and the public. They save countless lives, fighting incredible odds to do so, and manage to have this impact on a shoestring budget. It's a volunteer strong organization, with many volunteers giving countless hours and dollars to the organization. This speaks volumes - if you can see how an organization works from the inside and still want to contribute your hard-earned dollars, then you know the organization is doing something completely right. I love International Bird Rescue and I will always support their work.

I have been working with International Bird Rescue for 13 years. They have always been an incredibly valuable resource to other Wildife Rehabilition centers and individuals throughout the state and country, in fact, internationally. My experience has been that they have always been kind, caring, incredibly hard working and worthy of great honor and respect. I love them as individuals and colleagues and feel because of them, thousands of waterbirds have been saved. They deserve the highest commendation.

International Bird Rescue (IBR) has been saving seabirds and aquatic birds since 1971. Although originally founded to provide expertise and personnel to save oiled aquatic birds following oil spills, the organization has become a leader in the care and rehabilitation of these unique species when they are impacted by other human caused events such as fishing tackle entanglements, feather contamination from food processing facilities, and impacts with vehicles. IBR operates two rehabilitation facilities in California with a small team of professional staff and a cadre of dedicated volunteers. Every avian patient is treated with the utmost compassionate care and knowing that I have given each of our patients a second chance to live in the wild warms my heart. I am proud to be an IBR volunteer since 2006!

I started volunteering at International Bird Rescue the January after the Cosco Busan oil spill. Up until that time I had often thought I should volunteer, but never got around to it. The front page picture of a totally oiled duck with the headline "Heartbreaking" was the push I needed to actually start. Now, working there is the most important thing I do and the highlight of my week. Under the direction of the committed and knowledgeable staff volunteers are taught how to do everything from correct feeding and housing to evaluation and treatment. Volunteers are allowed to progress as far and as fast as their interest and ability take them. Many staffers started as volunteers. I have learned so much in the time I have been there and I have been able to experience birds as few people have the opportunity to do.
The International Bird Rescue motto is "Every Bird Matters" and you see and feel that every day you are there. Nothing is as important as the birds. Each bird is treated with respect as an individual and you quickly learn the difference between pity and compassion. Our late director once said “We’re the ones who get to help,... think how lucky you are.” And I do.

I have only been a volunteer at the International Bird Rescue in Fairfield for a few months but what I have seen is impressive. The staff is knowledgeable, caring and thorough in their treatment of all the birds. The volunteers are introduced to the methods used and taught proper procedures through web site training as well as hands on experience. It is rewarding to be a part of this organization.

I have been volunteering here since the Cosco Busan oil spill and helped at the Louisiana Deepwater Horizon Spill as well. Even when there are no major events like these, there are unfortunately always birds in need of care. This organization consists of a great group of people. Their priority to help the birds and their encouragement and support of the people willing to help them help the birds is what keeps me coming.

I can't say enough in praise of IBR, their mission and results. I have been a volunteer since 2010, started during the Gulf spill. The staff and volunteers were pretty stressed during that period, but every one pulled together, then and since. I have always had the greatest admiration for IBR staff's professionalism and dedication, and the volunteers I have worked with have been wonderful, dedicated people, every one. It's so satisfying to know how much we are helping our birds, I still get a thrill at every release.

I have helped at both of the two Bird Rescue Centers( Fairfield/Cordelia, and San Pedro) and they both embody a deep compassion and caring for wildlife, coupled with a deep appreciation and inclusiveness with their volunteer base. The Staff continually educate and include volunteers from the very new to seasoned seniors. Truly there is something everyone can do and volunteers are encouraged to develop and expand skills if they want.

A sense of teamwork and appreciation for everyone's contribution pervades; The Staff and Management are all so available and supportive.. makes it great fun.. lots of work.. and continually rewarding!!

It is an honor and inspiration to be a part of such an organization.

One of the great unsung organizations of the world. When you see people working on oil spills, this is the organizations that makes it happen. Really inspiring mission and work.

Can't say enough about this fantastic organization and the care they take of our injured birds.

I began my volunteer work in February 2005, encouraged by a news article about an organization cleaning the oil off seabirds from a natural oil seep off the coast of Ventura, CA. From my first day I saw how the staff and the other volunteers were passionately dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of thousands of birds of dozens of aquatic species of each year, professionally caring for each one.
I learned, and became directly involved with Bird Rescue's oil spill response activities during various spills within California, and saw how what I had learned about bird physiology and care was so important for the care of birds involves in oil spills, and that the synergy between rehabilitation and spill response was critical to successful spill outcomes around the world.
By attending seminars and conferences, I observed how Bird Rescue staff and experienced volunteers were educating many wildlife rehabilitators around the world in the care of aquatic birds - sharing their expertise and passion.
By working with the Bird Rescue veterinarian I saw how the organization continually advances the science of bird rehabilitation, nutrition, husbandry, and physical therapy.
After almost 9 years, I continue to enjoy working with staff and other volunteers in making a difference in the lives of these amazing co-inhabitants of our natural world.

International Bird Rescue (IBR) has a deeply dedicated team of skilled wildlife professionals that deliver life-saving treatments to seabirds and shorebirds that inhabit our oceans and bays. Some of the 5,000 birds treated at our two California centers each year include pelicans, surf scoters, owls, loons, seagulls, albatrosses, egrets, ducklings, even tiny hummingbirds. Both adults and orphaned baby birds receive care. I'm proud to have volunteered for this organization since 2009.

IBR's experts help train wildlife responders in the latest seabird rescue and rehabilitation techniques, and are called in as first responders during oil spills and other wildlife emergencies around the globe. During the 2000 Treasure oil spill, IBR's innovative rehabilitation methods saved nearly 15,000 African penguins from almost certain death.

More and more, they're responding to non-oil related emergencies at home, as seabirds, particularly pelicans, find themselves caught in and injured by fishing hooks and lines, or are left cold and weak by harmful blooms of ocean algae, which strip the natural weatherproofing from their feathers. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, IBR now has an upgraded pelican aviary to house seasonal influxes of victims. IBR's "Blue-Banded Pelican Project" helps track the success of released pelicans while engaging the public in citizen science by inviting them to spot and report birds tagged with IBR's trademark blue bands.

IBRRC has two locations: Northern California and Southern California. They provide rehabilitative care to aquatic birds (and the occassional non-aquatic animal) from the smallest sanderling to the biggest pelican.

Primarily tasked with oil spill response (teams just recently got back from the Gulf!), that is not by any means all they do! The injuries and illnesses are year round and neverending: fishing line injuries, animals swallowing fish hooks, animals that have been cruelly abused (pelicans with lacerated pouches, gulls that have been shot with pellet guns, the list goes on and on), pelicans with domoic acid poisoning - they see it all, and they treat it all.

Because they are a nonprofit organization, they rely upon donations and memberships to provide the much needed funding for medical supplies and even food for the animals in care.

They have a very small staff (for the scope of what they do and the number of animals that they treat - the SoCal facility especially!) and volunteers play a big role in allowing the staff to focus on the care and treatment of the animals.

The people at IBRRC are dedicated and passionate about the care they give to the animals, and they fully deserve as many accolades - and donations - as can be heaped upon them.