Spring is in full bloom—and for MWR, that means baby birds… lots and lots of them!
Over the next several months, we’ll receive hundreds of calls about baby birds.
Found a Baby Bird?
Please Contact us ASAP.
Please text a photo or video of the baby (or babies) to 662-612-6455, and include a one-sentence description of how you encountered them (found on the ground, disturbed the nest, cat attack). Based on the information you provide, we will determine the species and age of the bird to assess the situation and offer guidance.
Contrary to the generic “I found a baby bird” flow charts and much of the information online, a baby bird found on the ground is often one that needs help.
There are about 60 species of songbirds known to breed in North Mississippi. The young of over half of these species leave the nest partially or fully flighted.
A handful of species—such as Northern Mockingbird, American Robin, Brown Thrasher, and Blue Jay —leave the nest unable to fly. Fledglings of these species have fully feathered bodies, short stubby tails, and can hop around while following their parents on the ground or in low bushes. This is normal.
Most other birds—such as Barn Swallow, Purple Martin, Eastern Bluebird, Chickadees and many others—leave the nest already able to fly or glide well. It is not normal for fledglings of these species to be on the ground.
While waiting for a response from MWR or another licensed wildlife rehabilitator, safely contain the baby and DO NOT offer food, water, or medication. The wrong food or feeding technique can quickly kill a baby bird. Fluids given orally can be aspirated, leading to respiratory infection—or death.
Keep the baby warm, dark, and quiet. Handling and exposure to light, sound, and movement will stress the bird and increase its metabolism, causing it to use up critical energy reserves.
And a friendly reminder: without professional training and permits, it is unlawful to possess a native bird—even if you intend to return it to the wild.
Thank you Scouts
We were honored to host Scout Troop 1 for a recent day of service at the ARK Wildlife Hospital! Their group dedicated the day to tackling a wide range of much-needed projects around the facility. From painting and weeding to assisting with basic plumbing repairs, these scouts showed incredible teamwork, initiative, and a willingness to jump in wherever help was needed.
Their hard work made a meaningful impact on our ability to maintain and improve the hospital for the wildlife in our care. Days like this truly help us stretch our resources further and focus more on what matters most—rehabilitating native birds and reptiles.
Of course, no visit is complete without meeting one of our ambassadors! The troop had the opportunity to meet Vinny, our Black Vulture, and learn more about the important role vultures play in our ecosystem.
We are especially grateful to MWR Board Member Kate Friedman for overseeing and organizing such a successful and productive day.
Thank you, Scout Troop 1, for your service, enthusiasm, and support of Mississippi’s native wildlife! Check out pics from the day HERE
Valery E. Smith Nature Center Update
We are excited to share that progress at the Valery E. Smith Nature Center continues to move forward in meaningful ways.
We are incredibly grateful to Craig Manning and Manning Fence Co LLC for beginning construction of the outer fence for our raptor garden. This important addition will provide enhanced security and a more stable, low-stress environment for our ambassador raptors, directly improving their quality of life and ability to participate in education programs.
Even more exciting, this space will serve as a canvas for Sycamore Arts Council, who have generously partnered with us to create a large-scale mural. This artwork will highlight many of the native species we care for and educate about, transforming the raptor garden into an inspiring and visually engaging experience for visitors.
Check out pics HERE
Our native plant garden is also thriving. With each passing week, it becomes more established and continues to demonstrate the value of planting for wildlife. We are already seeing a growing number of native pollinators—including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects—as well as birds utilizing the space for food and shelter. This garden is quickly becoming a living example of how intentional habitat creation can make an immediate impact.
Take a walk through our garden HERE
These ongoing improvements are helping shape the Nature Center into a place where wildlife and community can connect in meaningful ways. We are grateful for the partners, volunteers, and supporters who make this work possible and look forward to sharing continued progress in the months ahead.
This project is made possible through the generous support of Entergy Mississippi and their Environmental Initiatives Fund.
Wildlife Hospital – By the Numbers
In April we saw a significant increase admitting 188 new patients, representing 38 bird, 4 reptile and 1 amphibian species. So far this year, we have cared for a total of 318 new patients.
Check out these patient highlights from March:
If you come across a wild bird or reptile in distress, please do not attempt to care for it yourself. Improper handling or feeding can do more harm than good and may violate federal or state wildlife laws. Please reach out to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
📞 Call our wildlife hotline: 662-612-6455
🗺️ Need a rehabilitator near you? Use this rehabber MAP
Donor Thank You
💚 Thank You for Supporting MWR
We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation (MWR) in April, whether through monthly giving, one-time donations, or Wishlist support. Your generosity makes it possible for us to provide critical care, rehabilitation, and education for Mississippi’s native wildlife every single day.
Freezer Donations
When our old freezer stopped working, we reached out for help and were overwhelmed by the generous response from our community. Thank you to Mary Smith Hurley, Holly Nichol Ralls, Deborah Daurer, and Robin Gail Campbell—who even purchased a brand-new freezer for us. Your generosity directly supports our daily operations and helps us continue saving native wildlife.
🌟 Monthly Donors
A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated monthly supporters whose ongoing commitment sustains daily wildlife care:
• Karen S. Brown • Natalie Bright • Rebecca Carter • Carol A. Decker • Beau Edgington • Heather Eisan • Josephine Falcone • Kate Friedman • Larry Green • John Gullett • Leah Hasselle • Bill & Tracy Hill • Theresa Hissong • Marie K Richardson • Kellye Makamson • Christina Milbourne • Christina Monasco • Yvonne McCommon • Irene McClain • Nancy Orton • Heather Ray • Jason Reid • Nicholas Richards • Natalie Rodgers • Sharon Runkel • Diane Sales • David Simonton • Suzan Stewart • Rebecca Terry • Chrystie Teague • Cassandra R. Truan • Melinda Turley
💻 Online Donors
We are also grateful to the following individuals and organizations who gave online this month:
• Ward Archer • Rebecca Carter • Aimee Craig • Ava George • Jo Hanahan • James Hilton • Stephanie Hitt • Lilly Ivy • Heather Mitchell • Jennifer Lynn Ringo • Brittany Strange • Jennifer St. John • Gretchen G. Turley • Denise Anthony
Every gift—no matter the size—plays an essential role in helping us protect, rehabilitate, and advocate for Mississippi’s native wildlife.
💙 Become a Monthly Donor
Monthly giving provides reliable, year-round support for injured and orphaned wildlife. Even a small recurring donation helps ensure food, medical care, and emergency response when animals need us most. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to make an ongoing impact, consider joining our community of monthly donors.
🛒 Prefer to donate supplies? Shop our Amazon Wishlist to send essential items directly to our center.
Education & Outreach: Connecting with Communities
April was a busy and rewarding month for MWR’s Education team as we connected with our community through a variety of engaging and impactful programs. Click the links below to learn more about each program.
Scout Spring Quest – Camp Currier
MWR was delighted to participate in the annual Scout Spring Quest once again! We always enjoy spending time with enthusiastic scouts and families eager to learn about native wildlife and conservation.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17ST8KULZ2
Horn Lake Elementary School
We had a fantastic visit with first-grade students at Horn Lake Elementary! The class was engaged and curious as they met education ambassadors Mochni, the Red-shouldered Hawk, and Hazelnut, the Eastern Screech Owl. Students also learned simple ways to help native wildlife right at home.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A6xTLm63A
DeSoto County Earth Day Festival
Despite a rainy start, we had a wonderful time at the annual Earth Day Celebration at the new Agri-Education Center. Our ambassadors—including Koda the American Kestrel, Hazelnut the Eastern Screech Owl, Marshmallow the Barred Owl, Cornelius the Corn Snake, Durian the Box Turtle, and Mango the Bearded Dragon—were a big hit! Kids especially loved making pinecone bird feeders.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14dWLEQ5163
Montessori School of Tupelo
Thank you to the Montessori School of Tupelo for inviting us to share our passion for native wildlife. Programs like this inspire the next generation to care for and protect the natural world. Students especially enjoyed meeting Koda the American Kestrel, Marshmallow the Barred Owl, and Cornelius the Corn Snake.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1H7D8c471x
These programs strengthen our commitment to educating the public, fostering conservation partnerships, and protecting native wildlife for generations to come.
Want to bring MWR to your school, group, or event?
➡️ Learn about our education programs
Upcoming Events – Join Us!
🌿 2026 Nature Explorer’s Summer Camp
June 08-12 | 9a-1p daily | The ARK Trails
MWR invites campers to discover how Mississippi’s native plants, insects, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals are all connected in the web of life. Each day highlights a different group and its vital role in the ecosystem. Campers will enjoy live animal presentations, interactive games, and fun, hands-on crafts that bring each day’s theme to life.
Lunch is provided daily. Early Bird registration (through May 9) is $175 per camper; after May 9, registration is $200. Space is limited. Register HERE
📌 Save the Date — More details coming soon
⛳️ MWR Annual Golf Tournament — September 21 | @ Wedgewood Golf Club
Stay Connected
📍 Visit mwr.ms
💬 Follow us on Facebook for wildlife stories, tips, and event updates.
Thank you for being part of the MWR family. Together, we’re protecting Mississippi’s wild future. 🦉💚