I have always been interested in science, health, animals, wildlife, and conservation, but a trip to a wildlife reserve in South Africa last year left me with a desire to do more to help wildlife. At the time, I was also in the middle of changing career paths, pursuing a new career in animal health as a veterinary technician.
I learned about International Bird Rescue about 10 years ago and knew I supported the work Bird Rescue did to help injured, orphaned, and oiled birds, so earlier this year I decided to become a volunteer. I knew that volunteering would give me the opportunity to help wild birds and help me gain skills that could only help me grow as a vet tech student. Now, I have been given the opportunity to become part of the team as a rehabilitation technician.
I am looking forward to giving the birds the care they need to heal and return them to their natural homes. My favorite part of being at Bird Rescue is seeing an injured animal come in, see it regain its strength and health, and have it end with a successful release. I enjoy learning about and working with all the various birds that come into the center, like the Western Grebe, my favorite so far, with its long, slender neck and soft, silky feathers. Or the Northern Fulmar, a bird I didn’t even know about before becoming a volunteer, but now really enjoy catching a glimpse of it bathing in the pools. I am eager to apply and develop the skills that I have learned thus far to grow as a rehabilitator.
It’s very gratifying to know that the birds we help are going back out into the wild to live out their lives as they were meant to before we had to intervene and hopefully contributing to the success of the species. I look forward to forming part of an organization that inspires and educates others to live in harmony with aquatic birds, and other wildlife, so that we may all enjoy the world we share.
-Lisbeth Montenegro
Part-time Rehabilitation Technician
International Bird Rescue