By CHARLES FULC
The Florida Keys Wild Bird Center (FKWBC) celebrated its 30th birthday on Feb. 2, under the stars at its Mission Wild Bird Hospital, MM 92, in Tavernier. While many may not be as familiar with the hospital, nearly everyone knows of the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary, MM 93.6, where visitors can see many species of rescued birds up close and learn their stories.
The FKWBC was founded by longtime educator “Bird Lady” Laura Quinn 30 years ago. “She was a firecracker and that spirit lives on in our staff and volunteers,” said Jordan Budnik, executive director of the center, which rescues, treats and rehabs more than 800 birds each year.
Some 50 attendees enjoyed appetizers and drinks as they surveyed the silent auction items and listened to music by The Lower Mat Cats. Budnik was thrilled to announce a challenge grant from the Batchelor Foundation of South Florida, which is matching up to $35,000 in straight-up donations to the FKWBC. The grant has a six-month window, ending on May 31.
Lower Mat Cats drummer and local artist Pasta Pantaleo got the ball rolling with a pledge of $250. He also donated a piece of original artwork to the silent auction.
Next was the highlight of the evening: a guided tour of the hospital, led by Emily Buonapane, a state-certified wildlife rehabilitator and volunteer coordinator for FKWBC. Guests were greeted by Leopold, a barred owl who perched on his handler’s arm, then escorted through rooms filled with crates of every size to accommodate the variety of patients. Many were covered with towels or sheets to keep the recuperating birds calm and stress-free.
Buonapane warned the visitors that “90 percent of the patients here eat fish, so please pardon the smell!” Incidentally, much of that fish is donated by Island Dolphin Care in Key Largo — essentially their leftovers, said Buonopane. She also showed guests the array of specialized food and supplements (VitaHawk — who knew?) used to help get the birds healthy again.
In the X-ray room, images on the wall provided a clear and sober reminder of the center’s mission: there were X-rays of birds that had swallowed fishhooks and fishing line, or plastics that had become stuck in the animal’s digestive tracts. There were also images of broken bones and wings. Buonopane even showed the selection of “feather transplants” – recovered from birds who did not survive – that are used to mend injured birds’ wings and help them on the way to recovery and release.
The hospital can always use help, especially during baby bird season, when they need to feed the fledglings every 15 minutes. “Volunteers are needed all the time,” said Buonopane, “so if you can donate a day or even just an hour, we’re happy to have you.” Volunteers do everything from the laundry to cleaning cages, all while getting to observe the staff doing their amazing work.
Visit the new FKWBC website (missionwildbird.com) for information on its staff, patients and how to donate to help reach that Batchelor Foundation grant challenge. The center also has a wish list of items on Amazon.com (amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/D7CJ9EJLBHRT)
Budnik made her appreciation for the local community clear. “The staff and I have overwhelming gratitude for the support from the community. Throughout the ups and downs over these past 30 years, the community has been there for us. We want to reciprocate and be there for the community in any way we can.”
