#id:icarus

[rainyflock]

I've been housebound while recovering from a major surgery that I had at the end of August, but my husband has been caring for all of my babies for me 🥹 He got some photos for me today, I'm so excited to see that everyone has finished their molts and looks wonderful! I can't wait til I can walk again.....I've been hearing them sing from my bedroom window but it's not the same as seeing them 💔

[rainyflock]

-> About -

My name is Rain (he/they), and I am based in North America. I am a biologist, wildlife rehabilitator, and bird enthusiast.

I use this blog for chatting about my personal birds, rescue & rehab patients, and other birds I work with.

I run a local rescue aviary, where I intake orphaned or injured non-protected (invasive & feral) birds, pet surrenders, and the occasional humane case.

I assist with the rehabilitation, ongoing care, and training of native birds. I currently specialize in corvids & have a fondness for jays.

I am a behavioral researcher, and aim to specialize in developing practices for keeping & caring for non-releasable birds in the most ethical & low-stress way possible.

I am a small-scale hobbyist keeper & breeder of some companion pigeons & doves.

-> Answered questions: #rain answers

I am always open to questions or messages about any of my birds, or myself and what I do! I may not get to them right away, but will respond whenever I am able.

[Some additional disclaimers/information/notes below the cut]

-> Disclaimers -

I am an adamant believer that wild birds always thrive best in nature, and the vast majority of people are not suited to care for wild birds.

It is true that human care increases the lifespan of a wild animal, as well as lessens health risks.

However, without extreme amounts of work, things like diet, enrichment, activity levels, sociality, and natural behaviors in captivity pale in comparison to what they would experience in their native habitats.

A large percentage of wild birds in captive environments suffer from depression, malnutrition, lack of appropriate stimulation, forced human interaction, high stress, or other physical & mental health issues.

I do not promote the kidnapping of wildlife, human habituation of wild animals, or wild bird ownership - as a general rule, but ESPECIALLY in cases where the bird is a candidate for release.

Any bird in my care is either a) domesticated or captive bred, b) a rehabilitation patient, or c) professionally deemed non-releasable and receiving monthly quality of life evaluations.

If you find a native bird in need of help, please take it to a professional immediately.

Notes:

-> I follow from @cyanocoracinae (main but mostly reblogs)

-> PSA about starlings

-> More info on starlings

-> More info on pigeons

[rainyflock]

thanks to a lot of help from my husband, all of the health checks are done and the aviary is totally cleaned, re-perched, and re-planted ❤️ I am so so relieved to have this finished - I normally do a huge deep clean in the fall, but we weren't sure if I would be up and moving again before things started to freeze. they seem pretty happy, so I'm happy too 🥰

[rainyflock]

Starlings are invasive in many parts of the world, including where I live, but they still have plenty of redeeming qualities, and that includes being very personable, intelligent, and beautiful birds who are a delight to keep and interact with. Generally speaking, wild birds do not make good pets and deserve their freedom if it's possible- and they should always be taken to rehabbers or vets if they need help.

My rescued starlings live in a large outdoor aviary on my property year-round. These are all birds who were either raised and imprinted by humans, or were born wild and raised by their parents but sustained life-altering injuries that prevented them from being releasable.

Starlings are not easy birds to keep by any means - being wild birds, they require a complex and specific diet to remain healthy. They are also totally unlike common pet birds and are often sorely misunderstood as a result. Failure to provide an ideal diet and care can result in deficiencies, illness, deformity, organ failure, or death. They are also highly social and intelligent, and can become unhappy if or not provided enough stimulation in captivity.

If you are interested in starling ownership PLEASE make sure to do comprehensive research to provide them the appropriate care they deserve! I am always happy to answer questions about starling care, what it's like having them, or anything else you may be curious about!