Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter -OWLS

06/19/2026

A Peek Inside a Bird’s Nest 🐦

Nature is full of incredible surprises. Tucked away beneath a blanket of soft fur and carefully woven pine needles are tiny eggs, hidden and protected by a dedicated mother bird.

Many songbirds line their nests with fur, feathers, moss, or other soft materials to provide insulation and keep their eggs warm during incubation. This cozy covering also helps conceal the eggs from predators and the elements.

While it may look empty at first glance, this nest is actually a carefully crafted nursery, built with remarkable instinct and purpose.

Every nest tells a story, and this one is just beginning. 💚

06/17/2026

🐦 Wishlist Wednesday 🐦

Baby bird season is in full swing at OWLS, and our nursery is filling up fast!

From tiny hatchlings with barely a feather to fledglings learning how to bird, we’re caring for dozens of young patients every day. These little ones require specialized diets, frequent feedings, clean bedding, and around-the-clock care to give them the best chance at returning to the wild.

And while baby birds are keeping us busy, they’re not our only patients. We are also caring for migratory waterfowl, opossums, raptors, and fawns, all needing food, medical care, and rehabilitation.

This week’s most-needed items:
Paper towels
Tissues

Every donation, no matter the size, helps us provide lifesaving care to the wildlife that depends on us.

Thank you for helping us give these babies a second chance. ❤️🦉



Wishlists-
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3SR3P2CZHAPTL?ref_=wl_share

Walmart:
https://www.walmart.com/registry/RR/551cb90a-0272-4cad-967c-e06f976dfb46

Donation links-
Paypal: https://paypal.me/OWLS01?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US

Venmo:

Website: https://www.outerbankswildlifeshelter.com/donate

Zeffy:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-make-a-difference-3425

06/16/2026

06/13/2026

Every fawn that comes through our doors represents countless hours of care, specialized nutrition, medical treatment, enclosure management, and careful monitoring. They require round-the-clock dedication, and despite our best efforts, not every story ends the way we hope. Wildlife rehabilitation can be heartbreaking. These fragile babies are incredibly susceptible to stress, illness, injury, and complications that are often beyond anyone’s control.

But then there are moments like this.

Watching a once-hungry, frightened fawn eagerly race to a bottle. Seeing them grow stronger, more confident, and more independent with each passing day. Watching them play, explore, and simply be young deer again reminds us why we do this work.

Every decision we make is centered on giving them the skills and strength they need to return to the wild where they belong. That means balancing necessary care with the challenge of keeping them wild.

Fawn rehabilitation is a journey filled with early mornings, late nights, worry, hope, setbacks, and victories. It is emotionally exhausting and incredibly rewarding all at the same time.

Today, we’re choosing to celebrate the joy.

These little ones are growing, thriving, and reminding us that every feeding, every enclosure cleaned, every sleepless night, and every ounce of effort is worth it.

Thank you to our dedicated staff, volunteers, and supporters who make this work possible. These moments belong to all of you too. 🦌❤️

06/12/2026

Thank you Trent Park Elementary for allowing us to take part in your class today. We truly appreciate the opportunity to be able to talk to the students and staff about wildlife.

06/08/2026

💛 A Little Flash of Gold 💛

Meet one of nature’s hidden treasures, the Prothonotary Warbler. With its brilliant golden-yellow feathers and cheerful personality, this beautiful songbird brightens the wetlands, swamps, and wooded waterways of North Carolina each spring and summer.

Unlike many other warblers, Prothonotary Warblers nest in tree cavities near water, making healthy wetland habitats critical to their survival. Their sweet songs and vibrant colors remind us just how important it is to protect the wild places they call home.

This little patient was receiving the care it needed and has been released to return where it belongs.

Every bird that comes through our doors represents a chance to make a difference for wildlife. Thank you for helping us provide that second chance.

Have you ever spotted a Prothonotary Warbler in the wild? Share your photos or stories in the comments below!

06/07/2026

A huge thank you to some of our incredibly talented supporters for creating these adorable handmade bags, tissue holders, keychain pouches, and accessories for OWLS! 🦉❤️

Not only are they beautifully crafted, but every stitch represents kindness, generosity, and support for the wildlife in our care. We are constantly amazed by the creativity and dedication of our community.

From colorful floral totes to convenient pocket tissue holders and zipper pouches, these handmade items are both practical and unique. We are so grateful for the time, effort, and love that went into making them.

Thank you for using your talents to help make a difference for wildlife. Support like this helps remind us that it truly takes a community to care for the thousands of animals that come through our doors each year.