Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, Inc.

Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, Inc. Rehabilitating injured, orphaned, and contaminated wild birds on the Delmarva Peninsula since 1976
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When native birds have been found injured, orphaned, or ill, the community turns to Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research. Our professional staff and volunteers provide the best, if not only, chance these animals have to return to the wild. The mission of Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research is to provide professional, compassionate rehabilitation to native injured and orphaned wild birds and contaminated

wildlife, and to promote their stewardship through education and humane research. Tri-State envisions a world where informed communities demonstrate respect and care for native wildlife through responsible stewardship.

08/31/2026

A young pair of Barn Swallows surprised us all when they were brought to the clinic as nestlings in mid-August, a time when most juveniles born this year have already fledged.

Thankfully, though a little behind schedule, the babies are physically healthy and growing well in our care. Pretty soon, they will graduate from the incubator into a larger screened enclosure where they will gain confidence flying, self-feeding, and exploring their environment.

For now, the little ones are completely dependent on staff and volunteers for everything from food to clean nests to temperature control. It's detailed work, but so incredibly rewarding to watch them grow day by day and meet the milestones that bring them closer to a natural life in the wild!

08/28/2026

Follow along as a group of two American Herring Gull chicks, which later evolved to four, were successfully raised and released from care at Tri-State!

Gulls are often labeled as "pests," but the truth is they are fighting hard to survive in a world where so much of their habitat has been taken over by humans. It's a privilege to guide these resourceful birds through all the stages of life until they are ready to take on independence as nature intended.

Moments like these remind us why we do what we do. Thank you to our steadfast team of volunteers and interns who showed up every day to give these gulls, and countless others like them, a fighting chance at survival. We couldn't have done it without you!

A Barred Owl was recently admitted to the clinic with head and eye trauma, symptoms that may point to a collision with a...
08/26/2026

A Barred Owl was recently admitted to the clinic with head and eye trauma, symptoms that may point to a collision with a vehicle. The owl is a bit dull and on the thin side, so staff are quick to offer protein, fluids, meds, and gentle eye care to begin the rehab process.

Over the past week, we noticed the bird's eyes beginning to open just the smallest bit— a little glimpse of hope. Occasional check-ins also find the owl perching (a new milestone) and self-feeding food items left on the feet for easy detection!

While we are still in the early days, the journey to recovery is far from over, and we're grateful for every small step forward.

Please remember to always drive cautiously, especially in heavily wooded areas, and abide by speed limits for our wild neighbors. If you notice a bird that may have been struck by a vehicle, call Tri-State or your nearest wildlife rehabilitator for professional care!

08/24/2026

Though we're much closer to the end of summer than the beginning, our work with caring for baby birds is far from over!

Several species, like the American Robins and Gray Catbird shown here, can raise multiple broods in one season. We can also expect late arrivals from species like the American Goldfinch who typically begin nesting in the middle of summer, long after the first round of other songbirds has hatched.

All in all, this means that we can continue preparing baby bird formula and setting up fledgling habitats for several more weeks as we guide these little ones through all the stages of life between helpless nestling and self-sufficient juvenile flying free in the wild.

It can be chaotic at times, but it's always rewarding to know we've changed the ending of their story for the better!

A fun fact about the American Kestrel, North America's smallest falcon: they are able to see UV light. This means that, ...
08/21/2026

A fun fact about the American Kestrel, North America's smallest falcon: they are able to see UV light. This means that, like most other bird species, they are able to notice things that humans cannot.

When hunting, for example, these raptors are able to spot waste left behind by small animals such as voles and mice as they scurry along the ground. Kestrels will often use these markings as neon trails of sorts that lead them right to their next meal. Though they aren't the only species to display this hunting behavior, it's certainly an impressive tactic nonetheless!

This little one, a juvenile female American Kestrel, was rescued, rehabilitated, and released at Tri-State. Here's hoping for successful hunts as she learns to navigate the world independently for the first time.

Meet one of our current patients receiving care: a juvenile Great Blue Heron who was found at a local campground with fi...
08/19/2026

Meet one of our current patients receiving care: a juvenile Great Blue Heron who was found at a local campground with five fishing hooks stuck in their left leg.

Although we have seen countless birds affected by fishing paraphernalia over the years, a species like this heron that relies so heavily on the water for food and habitat is at a much higher risk of becoming injured. Thankfully, the person that noticed the heron knew exactly who to call for help.

The fishing hooks were all quickly removed, with the deepest wound requiring surgery to close. We discovered a secondary challenge, however, when the bird was continuously tucking the back toe underneath the foot instead of extending it. Without intervention, the bird would have sustained even more injuries down the line, so staff worked hard to fashion a custom splint that is training the toe to stay in the correct spot.

Even after all the heron has been through, they're still eating, flying, and gaining weight just as we hoped. Once the splint is removed, if the toe can stay extended like normal, we're ready to get the bird back to their natural habitat!

08/17/2026

One of the most incredible aspects of working with wildlife is the fantastic community that rallies to get a patient help, and sometimes that community includes fellow rehabilitators who know exactly how precious each life is.

This was the case for patient 26-2701, a juvenile Barred Owl who was found trapped in netting. Our colleagues at City Wildlife admitted the owl, providing crucial stabilizing care before organizing transportation to our facility in Newark, DE. Thankfully, having only minor injuries and a slightly thin body composition meant the owl had an excellent shot at being released to the wild with some healthy weight gain and time to decompress.

Over the next week in care, staff watched as the patient perched, flew, self-fed, and navigated the enclosure well. When the owl had a normal body composition, it came time for the little one to rejoin the wild as nature intended so they could put those skills to work.

Thank you to our friends at City Wildlife as well as Tri-State staff, volunteers, and donors who all played a part in this bird's success story. We appreciate you!

During this Red-tailed Hawk's first days at Tri-State, she required intensive supportive care to start her healing proce...
08/14/2026

During this Red-tailed Hawk's first days at Tri-State, she required intensive supportive care to start her healing process following a car collision: fluids, pain control, eye medication, and assisted feeding. Staff tried everything to encourage her appetite from offering a “smorgasbord” of prey items to hand‑feeding small pieces when she was hesitant to eat on her own. Progress was slow, but we never gave up.

Just a few days later, we had our first big breakthrough: the bird ate on her own! From there, everything began falling into place— her weight stabilized, eyesight improved, and flight became strong. When staff realized the bird was in excellent physical health and could now navigate the world with ease, it was time to schedule a release to the wild.

A final check from our veterinarian cleared the hawk for release and a plan was made to send the bird home. A wonderful volunteer picked the hawk up and transported her back where she was found. Thanks to quick action from all members of the Tri-State "flock," we can now count this beauty as another life saved.

Thank you to everyone who played a part in sending this Red-tailed Hawk, as well as all other patients, back to their natural environments!

This is what fledging looks like at Tri-State!For those who don't know, fledglings are birds who have feathers fully cov...
08/12/2026

This is what fledging looks like at Tri-State!

For those who don't know, fledglings are birds who have feathers fully covering their body and have left the nest to begin exploring their environment. They can stand, hop, perch, and even try little bursts of flight! They may look helpless in the wild, but these little ones have devoted parents continuing to provide for and guide them as they grow.

In our center, we mimic their natural development track as closely as possible: allowing them to leave the nest on their own time, providing greenery in their habitats, giving them ample space to practice flight, and playing nature sounds nearby to promote wild instincts.

Just this year, we have helped over 500 baby birds like these fledglings make their way back to the environment, whether they reunited with their biological family, joined a new wild family, or grew into a self-sufficient juvenile ready to take on the world solo! Thank you very much for your support in making these milestones possible.

If you see birds like these in the wild, just remember they are likely following the normal cycle of baby bird development and can oftentimes be left where they are. When in doubt, or in the case of injury, be sure to give us a call so we can help!

Happy Birthday to Tri‑State’s Founder, Lynne Frink! Today we celebrate the incredible vision and dedication of Lynne Fri...
08/11/2026

Happy Birthday to Tri‑State’s Founder, Lynne Frink!

Today we celebrate the incredible vision and dedication of Lynne Frink, who founded Tri‑State Bird Rescue & Research more than 50 years ago. What began as determination to help wildlife affected by oil spills has grown into a nationally recognized organization saving thousands of birds each year.

This summer, Tri‑State’s legacy was honored by Delaware Governor Matthew Meyer, who issued an official state proclamation recognizing our 50th anniversary and the lasting impact of Lynne’s work. Her compassion and leadership continue to inspire our staff, volunteers, and supporters as we carry forward her mission of giving wild birds a second chance at freedom.

On this special day, we’re reminded that one person’s passion can ripple outward for generations. Thank you, Lynne, for building a foundation of care, science, and hope that still guides us today.

Address

170 Possum Hollow Road
Newark, DE
19711

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13027379543

Website

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