Big Release

March 3, 2011

Over the past week we’ve been able to release a large number of rehabilitated native birds back into the wild. Some were injured birds that had fully recovered. Others were orphan babies who had been raised here, taught the skills they’d need to survive, and were ready to be free for the first time. On several different days we released tuis, kereru, rosellas and kingfishers. And every single time I got a lump in my throat as they flew away, knowing that now they are on their own in the big wide world. We do put out food to support them while they are adjusting to their freedom. Some birds hang around for a while, others take off the moment they’re released and that’s the last we see of them. Either way, we wish them a long happy life!!