By JD Bergeron, Executive Director

Did you know that there are birds alive today that hatched back in 1971?

Seabirds, along with parrots, are among the longest lived birds on the planet. The Laysan Albatross, our 50th Anniversary bird, can live fifty years and more. With their impressive wingspans and powerful flight, albatrosses can cover a thousand miles while roaming the seas, without rest. They thrive in turbulence, and will literally ride the storm, availing of updrafts and choppy seas to find food for themselves and their young.

A few years ago, I had the great privilege of counting albatross nests on a tiny Pacific island among a million of these noble birds. They have a remarkable presence, even while sitting stoically warming their egg. They are resilient and graceful, and their shadowed eyes seem to hold deep wisdom.

I’ve seen them up close again as rare patients in our wildlife hospitals. Like all of the waterbirds we care for–whether oiled, sick, injured, or orphaned–they show a remarkable ability to recover and thrive. At release, they are taken by boat far from shore. They run across the waves before catching an updraft and soaring away once more, until completely out of sight.

2021 is a special year for us as we are celebrating our 50th Anniversary.

International Bird Rescue was also hatched in 1971. Like the albatross, we thrive in turbulent environments, and we work hard to help birds in peril, with resilience and compassion. Our many years of experience have taught us how to adapt to the situation that presents itself, whether an oil spill, an entangled fish hook, or a hungry chick fallen from the nest.

What comes next? 

There are new challenges facing sea and water birds, and we may veer far from where we started, but we will always do it with purpose, adhering to our mission to inspire people to act toward balance with the natural world by rescuing waterbirds in crisis. You can consider joining our Albatross Alliance with a special gift of $5,000 and be on the inside of our plans for the next 50 years of life-saving bird rescue work.

To participate in our celebrations, you can follow our monthly engagement opportunities and special events here. Be prepared to join us for fun and funky events, groovy gatherings, and many hope-filled stories throughout the year.