Photo by Adil Edin on Unsplash
In the northern hemisphere, birds are seen as a harbinger of spring, thanks to some species’ pattern of flying home after spending the winter in warmer southern climates. Anyone who’s been in Pennsylvania recently can attest that spring-like weather is nowhere to be found; but perhaps adding a bird to your household, with their colorful feathers and cheerful song and chatter, can add a little bit of sunshine to the dreary winter days.
Bird Rescues in Pennsylvania
January is National Adopt a Rescued Bird Month. If you’re planning to adopt a new feathered friend, you have several options across various parts of the Commonwealth, including:
Parrot Education, Adoption and Rehoming League (PEARL)
Parrot Education, Adoption and Rehoming League, (PEARL), is a Pittsburgh-based rescue specializing, of course, in the care and adoption of parrots. The nonprofit is foster-based and staffed entirely by volunteers whose mission is to find good homes for parrots (and other birds) in Western PA and educate current and prospective bird parents on how best to care for them. To adopt, foster or donate, contact:
PEARL Parrot Rescue
P.O. Box 101834
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
412-444-5819
info@pearlparrots.com
Feathered Sanctuary Exotic Bird Rescue
Feathered Sanctuary Exotic Bird Rescue in Bird in Hand works to rehabilitate injured exotic birds and find them loving adoptive homes. The Central PA nonprofit deals mostly with exotic parrot species and, in addition to providing veterinary care and adoption services, also offers boarding for birds for whom it has previously found a family. Other birds are also accepted if there is space. The organization is run by volunteers and is currently seeking more helping hands. To adopt or donate, contact:
Feathered Sanctuary Exotic Bird Rescue
562 Beechdale Road
Bird in Hand, PA 17505
717-556-0766
featheredsanctuaryebr@gmail.com
Soaring Spirits Sanctuary
Soaring Spirits Sanctuary is another resource for adoptable birds – mainly parrots – in Central PA. Along with adoption services, the nonprofit offers rescue and rehab, as well as grooming and boarding. The Beech Creek rescue has an active social media presence, often showcasing some of its feathered residents. Visits are offered by appointment only, as birds are fostered in private homes. To adopt or donate, contact:
Soaring Spirits Sanctuary
Beech Creek, PA 16822
331-701-9559
soaringspiritsanctuary@gmail.com
Jojo The Grey Adoption and Rescue for Birds
Jojo The Grey Adoption and Rescue for Birds is a small nonprofit located in Upper Darby. Its main mission is to help unwanted birds find new, loving homes. However, the Philadelphia-area facility is also a bird rescue staffed entirely by volunteers. To adopt or donate, contact:
Jojo The Grey Adoption and Rescue for Birds
7008 Wayne Ave.
Upper Darby, PA 19082
610-713-0304
margaret@jojothegrey.org
Are you ready to adopt a bird?
Remember, as with any other pet, adopting a bird is a serious commitment. In fact, unlike some pets whose lifespans average only a few years, some birds can live up to 100 years. And if you have other pets, you obviously need to consider whether they will get along with your new bird buddy. So, what else should you know before bringing home your favorite bird?
1. Birds are noisy.
It might seem like anyone who doesn’t know this is a bit of a “birdbrain,” if you will; after all, it’s common knowledge that birds sing and chirp, and many species of parrot, along with several other birds, have the ability to learn words. But what some people don’t realize is that birds can and do make very loud noises at times and often will continue to tweet, chirp or talk for quite a while.
2. Birds need a balanced diet.
You can’t just toss some bird seed in the cage and call it a day. Birds, like any other pet, need a well-rounded diet that meets all of their nutritional needs, and that includes fruits and vegetables. The exact dietary needs vary by species, and yes, they do enjoy and require some seeds and pellets. And about that…
3. Birds can be messy.
Those seeds and pellets won’t stay contained to that cute little feeder attached to the birdcage. There will be spillage, and of course, you’ll need to clean your bird’s cage at least once a week to rid it of accumulated droppings and feathers. And that’s not all you should keep clean.
4. Birds need good air quality.
Cigarette smoke, of course, is bad for a bird’s small lungs, but fumes from a host of other things also can be damaging to them – even things that smell good to you. Scented candles, air fresheners, and cleaning products all can pose a danger. And did you know cookware can put off harmful fumes that can be fatal? But on the bright side…
5. Birds are intelligent.
They can learn to use tools and solve problems, and they have planning abilities and social cognition. Living with a bird can be a rewarding and enriching experience, thanks to these qualities.
6. Birds make you happy.
It’s true, according to an article published in Audubon Magazine in 2021 (“More Birds Bring More Happiness, According to Science” by Julia Zarankin). The article cites a “growing body of scientific evidence” linking spending time with birds to improved wellbeing.
Now that you know a little bit about what birds have to offer and what to expect, all that’s left is to figure out what kind of bird is right for you.
