A Place Called Hope

06/11/2026

Just thought I’d share some of the cuteness overload… you’re welcome.

Blue Jay fledglings
American Crow Nestling

06/10/2026

BIRD ABDUCTIONS happen often this time of year.

This happens when well meaning people “think” that since a bird can’t fly, it must be injured.
If you find a bird on the ground, fully feathered, able to hop, eyes open, it is likely a fledgling, like this young Eastern Screech Owl. They are not as capable as the adults at this stage, and they are still mastering flight abilities. Since they are young, they have no reason to know any better to avoid humans, dogs, or other wildlife. They are still learning.
While it may feel uncomfortable to see a baby bird on the ground, please know that this is a normal part of development. They are usually being overseen by their parents, however, with Owl species, often the adults are resting and trying to not draw attention to themselves during the daylight hours. Baby owls don’t have that awareness, and are often out and about during the day.
If you see a lot of flies landing on an animal, or blood, or something out of symmetry, then chances are there is a problem and that is when to intervene. If a youngster is in a dangerous area that involves road traffic, kids, dogs, etc. it is ok to gently place the bird in underbrush away from danger, or on a low branch off the ground.
PLEASE DO NOT CONTAIN AND FEED OR OFFER LIQUIDS OF ANY KIND! It is ok to text a Wildlife Rehabilitator for advice and consult if you are unsure.

This little cutie is fine.

06/10/2026

That tiny dot on the bridge is the juvenile Peregrine we recently had at A Place Called Hope after he had fledged into the river below the nest. His return was spectacular, but we failed to get video. Things happened too fast, as Peregrines are designed for speed, and let’s just say, we had to act instantly once they heard the baby call… Phew… all is well again for this youngster.

06/10/2026

SIP SAVOR and SOAR with A Place Called Hope was a success! We had beautiful weather, and a pre-registered intimate crowd. Music by Denise Jones (wow!), South Western style Jewelry by Christina Trunzo, Cosmic Dust Studio, Fine wines by Scout and Steller, Lynn Gallant, Good Breads, Cheeses, and spreads by The Bread Girl, Eileen Unger, and stunning birds from A Place Called Hope. A special thanks to our crew for helping to make things flow flawlessly. We will be planning another event, similar to this one soon, so if you missed it, stay tuned.

06/09/2026

Pay attention! your voices matter.

We’re calling on our Rhode Island supporters to contact Gov. Mckee and ask him to sign the rodenticide ban into law. We found out that the New England Pest Management Association is livid about this legislation and has launched a so-called "VoterVoice" advocacy campaign urging him to veto the bill and squash the will of RI residents. We can’t let big industry/lobbying interests win over RI’s beloved eagles, owls, hawks and other wildlife. https://friendsofanimals.org/rhodeisland/

06/09/2026

If I have not said this enough, I would like to give a GREAT BIG Shout Out to our CT Animal Control Officers. So many of them help us and it is so very appreciated that they do since most of us Wildlife Rehabilitators are swamped and too busy to step foot out of our own arenas, due to the many patients we are tending to. It is urgent to receive our injured, orphaned, or sick wildlife as soon as possible, and our CT ACO’s, like Woodbridge Officer Moffo, go above and beyond to make that happen.
Our wildlife belongs to all of us. This is critical that we all do our best to assist them whenever they need it since 98% of the reasons they are in trouble, has everything to do with us humans. It is our responsibility as humans, to answer to the conflicts, address the conflicts, and take care of the animals injured by our conflicts.
This Barred Owl was picked up after 1am last evening, and Officer Moffo responded to this owl in the road. If she hadn’t, I don’t think this owl would have survived. The Owl has a chance now… So thank you Officer Moffo, and THANK YOU to all of the Animal Control Officers who help. We value you and your efforts. It matters…

06/09/2026

I am always telling folks to stand back and let these little branchers do their thing! They are capable of climbing straight up the trunk of a tree at only 3 weeks of age! OBS shared this clip which is a perfect example of how they do this. Enjoy!

06/06/2026

Not everything we do works out the way we had intended. It is a difficult role to play as a Wildlife Rehabilitator, making the best decisions you can at the moment. Making the best effort for the sake of our wildlife… but sometimes Mother Nature plays against our good intentions and slaps us upside the head.

Baby New Britain Red Shouldered Hawk has had another mis-step. This baby has actually taken a tumble a few times now, and this time, he is injured. At this point, we have to throw up our hands, and hang onto the little one until further notice and healing. Maybe he has fallen for a reason because he should be able to stay and to perch on the many jungle gym branches he was given with his new nest platform. Unfortunately, his sibling did not survive the first fall, so not returning this baby promptly will leave the adults without babies to care for.

The youngster has fractured an ulna, wing thing, and has blood and cloudiness in one eye with a good cut on the top of the head. This one won’t be re-nested. If he survives all, he will stay with us until he is taking short flights and is strong enough to get off the ground. Where he comes from, he will need strength since the city surrounds him. It will be a time will tell situation.

Sorry little one, we did our very best to get you back to your parents, we succeeded, but perhaps we weren’t on the same page as you. Now you are safe and will be tended to.