09/06/2026
When you raise a baby bird from just a few days old and then release her, you can’t help but wonder: Will she make it? Does she know what to do? Will she be afraid?
This little sandpiper definitely helped ease some of that release anxiety.
After driving around for a while, we found the perfect beach for her—with rocks to climb, bushes to hide in, mud puddles to play in, and small inlets with tiny waves to splash through.
We opened the crate door, and she immediately flew to a beautiful stretch of shoreline. There, she began to drink, peck, explore, and play.
There was no hesitation. No fear. No doubt.
She immediately knew what to do—how to explore, where to go, and what it felt like to touch the water with her feet for the very first time.
Not every release is perfect, and not every release goes according to plan. But this one was.
At the end of the season, when we’re making that final push to get birds ready for migration, we’re exhausted and still feeling a little overwhelmed.
Moments like this remind us why we do what we do.
This is what it’s all about.
Good luck, little sandpiper. You’ve been a joy to watch grow—and an even greater reward to see set free.
