Volunteer Application
We are currently accepting applications for spring volunteers!
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Bird Center of Michigan! Our volunteers help with many different tasks, including avian husbandry, transportation, and outdoor maintenance for the patients at our clinic in Saline, MI. Volunteer shifts are generally 3 hours long, and our volunteers usually sign up for one or two weekly shifts.
New Volunteer Orientation
If you’re interested in volunteering at the Bird Center of Michigan this year, we’ll be holding a new volunteer orientation on Zoom this Sunday, March 23rd at 1 pm! At this brief online orientation, we’ll discuss all aspects of volunteering at the Bird Center, including information about training, HPAI and safety protocols, and the Bird Center’s mission of aiding birds, wildlife, and the environment through rehabilitation and public education.
If you can’t make it on March 23rd, don’t worry, we’ll record the orientation so you can watch it anytime! If you have any questions, please email our volunteer coordinator at [email protected].
Meeting ID: 847 0431 9365
Passcode: 732720
To download Zoom, visit https://zoom.us/download.
Save the date!
Our new volunteer training blitz is scheduled for Sunday, April 13th from noon-3 pm—more details coming soon! Attendance of at least one training session is required for new volunteers before being added to the volunteer schedule. If you’re unable to attend on April 13th, please email our volunteer coordinator at [email protected] for more info about training with an experienced volunteer mentor.
New Volunteer Program Opportunities
Wildlife Hotline Volunteer Program
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our Wildlife Hotline Volunteer Program! This role is perfect for individuals who love engaging with the public and educating them about wildlife.
Volunteer Duties Include:
- Answering phone calls and text messages
- Entering patient information into our WRMD database system
- Keeping our reception area organized and welcoming
Training:
- Two virtual training sessions
- One group in-person training session
- One-on-one reception shift with a staff member
For more information, watch our Wildlife Hotline Volunteer Info Session, then click the button below to be taken to a Google Drive folder with more details:
Wildlife Rescue & Transport Volunteer Program
We’re expanding and refining our Wildlife Rescue & Transport Volunteer Program. This year, we’re breaking down our transport lists by counties to ensure you receive notifications only for the areas you’re interested in—no more messages about locations 1.5 hours away if they aren’t convenient for you!
For complete details and training instructions, please watch our Wildlife Rescue & Transport Training video, then click the button below to be taken to a Google Drive folder with more details:
Volunteering at the Bird Center
The Bird Center of Michigan is one of the only songbird rehabilitation facilities that serves the southeastern area of Michigan. Each year, hundreds of both baby birds and injured adults come through the doors of the clinic requiring assistance. Did you know that most baby birds need to be fed every 30 minutes from dawn to dusk? Between feeding, cleaning, and monitoring every bird’s condition, there’s always something that needs to be done! Not only do volunteers get the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of our feathered patients, but they also get to learn and work alongside skilled staff and interns.
Volunteer Duties
There are many jobs that go into wildlife rehabilitation – and it’s not just feeding birds! Here are some of the many important duties volunteers perform at the Bird Center:
- Ensuring clean and safe enclosures for the birds.
- Preparing species-specific diets and creating enrichment.
- Helping staff and volunteers monitor critical patients and babies.
- Helping with special Bird Center projects.
- Helping staff with laundry.
- Running errands, such as transferring birds to other rehab facilities, or picking up fruit or insects at the store.
- General gardening and other outdoor maintenance at the clinic.
- Experienced volunteers can be trained to answer calls and enter data into our system.
BCM is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our volunteer opportunities are open to all. We value diversity and do not permit any discrimination against applicants, employees, or volunteers on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or disability, or any other status protected by applicable law or statute in any of our policies or program.