January brought ice and snow as Winter Storm Fern swept across our region. Our hearts and prayers are with everyone impacted by this severe weather.
During winter storms, wildlife faces frozen water sources, limited food, and exposure to harsh environmental conditions. You can help by placing shallow dishes of fresh (unfrozen) water outside, offering species-appropriate food such as seed for birds, and leaving natural cover like brush piles, fallen leaves, and hollow logs undisturbed. Avoid using ice melt products near natural areas and never bring wildlife indoors—if an animal appears injured or compromised, contact a licensed rehabilitator.
Despite the winter conditions, our team has already received numerous patients. Among them is an American Bald Eagle, admitted weak and unable to fly, with suspected lead poisoning. Lead toxicity remains one of the most serious and preventable threats facing raptors and other scavenging wildlife. While the prognosis for lead poisoning is often guarded, our medical team is providing intensive care and treatment to give this majestic bird the best possible chance of recovery.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to Mississippi Game Warden John Bray and MWR volunteer Theresa Hissong for ensuring this eagle was transported safely to our facility.
👉 See more about this rescue here!
🦅 How You Can Help Prevent Lead Poisoning
Lead fragments from ammunition and fishing tackle can remain in the environment long after use, where they are easily ingested by wildlife. You can help protect eagles and other native species by choosing non-lead ammunition and fishing gear, properly disposing of carcasses and gut piles, and sharing this information with others who spend time outdoors.
To learn more about lead poisoning in wildlife and steps you can take to prevent it, read this article from the American Eagle Foundation.
Valery E Smith Nature Center update
We’re excited to share progress at the Valery E. Smith Nature Center. A big thank you to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for addressing critical ceiling repairs in the space designated for our future interpretive center. These much-needed improvements were an essential step in preparing the building for the next phase of development.
With this work completed, we can now begin building out the interpretive center —transforming the space into an engaging hub for environmental education, conservation awareness, and community connection. This center will provide visitors with meaningful opportunities to learn about Mississippi’s native wildlife and habitats.
We’re grateful for our partners who help move projects like this forward and look forward to sharing more updates as this space continues to take shape.
🏥 Wildlife Hospital – By the Numbers
In January, MWR admitted 32 new patients in need of care, representing 19 bird species. Winter conditions, habitat disruption, and seasonal challenges continue to bring wildlife through our doors.
Check out these patient highlights from January:
• Meet our very first patient of 2026
• Barred Owls released back to the wild
• Overwintering turtle hatchlings
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 – January
We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation (MWR) in January, 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.
🌟 Monthly Donors
A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated monthly supporters whose ongoing commitment sustains daily wildlife care:
Beau Edgington • Kate Friedman • Nancy Orton • Rebecca Carter • Karen S. Brown • Yvonne McCommon • David Simonton • Christina Milbourne • Bill & Tracy Hill • Chrystie Teague • Carol A. Decker • John Gullett • Nicholas Richards • Larry Green • Irene McClain • Rebecca Terry • Josephine Falcone • Cheryl Hays • Cassandra R. Truan • Melinda Turley • Natalie Rodgers • Sharon Runkel • Natalie Bright • Suzan Stewart • Kellye Makamson • Leah Hasselle • Heather Eisan • Christina Monasco • Jason Reid
💻 Online Donors
We are also grateful to the following individuals and organizations who gave online in January:
Jo Hanahan • Paula Morgan
📦 Amazon Wishlist Support
Thank you to everyone who donated much-needed supplies through our Amazon Wishlist:
Joseph Vaughn • Merri Gadd • Donna Taylor • Vickie Miller • Cynthia McMahon • Jason Hoeksema
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
Education remains a cornerstone of our mission to protect native wildlife. In January, we had the pleasure of connecting with community members through the following educational programs:
- Wild Birds Unlimited of Southaven, Meet & Greet– We extend our sincere thanks to the wonderful team at Wild Birds Unlimited of Southaven for welcoming MWR as a special guest for a community meet and greet. Attendees had the opportunity to meet two of our wildlife education ambassadors—Hazelnut, the Eastern Screech Owl, and Koda, the American Kestrel. MWR deeply values our community partnerships and encourages everyone to visit Wild Birds Unlimited of Southaven to explore their outstanding selection of bird-focused merchandise and resources. 👉 See More Here
Want to bring MWR to your school, group, or event?
➡️ Learn about our education programs –
📅 Upcoming Events – Join Us!
🐦 Birds & Seeds @ Lichterman Nature Center
RESCHEDULED: Saturday, Feb 14 | 9 AM – 1 PM
Celebrate National Seed Swap Day with us and our conservation partners! Swap seeds, learn about native and backyard gardening, and get ready for spring with birding and more.
FREE event — Learn more
🪶 Bird Watching for Beginners
Saturday, Feb 21 | 10 AM – 12 PM @ The ARK Trails
Back by popular demand! Join expert birder Mary Schmidt for a beginner-friendly birding walk and learn how to watch birds in the wild.
Cost: $10/person | Space is limited Register HERE
🦉 Junior Rehabilitator Workshop
March 11 | 10 AM – 2 PM @ MWR Wildlife Hospital
A hands-on, one-day introduction to wildlife rehabilitation for youth ages 11–14. Participants explore patient care, practice guided simulations, and meet educational birds while learning about conservation and veterinary pathways.
Cost: $60/student | Only 12 spaces available Register HERE
🍀 Lucky Dog Pub Run for Wildlife
March 17 | 6:30 PM | Southaven
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with MWR at Lucky Dog Music Hall & Bar (Silo Square)! Family- and pet-friendly fun run supporting local wildlife.
Details & registration
📌 Save the Date — More details coming soon
🌿 Nature Explorers Summer Camp — June 8–12 | @ The ARK Trails
⛳ 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. 🦉💚