What We Do
Flight Plan Rehab is a modest, mostly seasonal practice that specializes in small songbirds plus reptiles/amphibians. It is dedicated to the return of wildlife disabled for any reason to natural roles in the wild. We work cooperatively with many members of Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, including the agency’s Regional Biologists, Species Specialist Biologists, Game Wardens, and Wildlife Conflict Agents. In addition to having rehab permits from MIDFW, we hold a permit for the rehabilitation of migratory birds issued by the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
We can admit and triage almost any kind of bird on a temporary emergency basis pending transfer to a facility better equipped for other species. For injured or orphaned birds needing longer-term continuing care, Flight Plan Rehab is best suited for insect-eating species such as Chimney Swifts, all of the swallow species, Eastern Phoebes and other flycatchers, plus wrens, warblers, and also hummingbirds. Our guidelines for baby songbirds found on the ground can be viewed here.
Feeding young nestling Chimney Swifts.
In general, wild birds may be incapacitated due to injury or illness, and young birds may be orphaned due to loss of their nests and/or their parents. Directly or indirectly, human activities often contribute to these difficulties: tree-cutting, landscaping, and construction may dislodge nests containing baby birds; collisions with vehicles or windows may result in traumatic injuries; capture by dogs or cats may produce disabling wounds; consumption of metal fragments may cause lead poisoning. Avian influenza, a viral disease with many subtypes, has been endemic in several kinds of wild birds for decades, with recent strains associated with high mortality rates in some species. So far, the disease has not been shown to adversely affect songbirds (more information can be found here), but these species were already in trouble for other reasons, including habitat loss and the decline of insect populations. Here in Maine, Bank Swallows and Cliff Swallows are listed as Threatened, while Chimney Swifts, Barn Swallows, and Tree Swallows are listed as Species of Special Concern.
The rehabilitation and repatriation of wildlife requires captive conditions that minimize stress and resemble the natural environment as closely as possible. Of particular importance when hand-rearing orphaned wild birds is providing foods that are ecologically appropriate as well as nutritionally complete. Over 20-some years, Diane has been the author or co-author of numerous publications on captive diets for nestling songbirds. She applies and continues to hone that expertise in our current venue.
We consult with several veterinarians who specialize in wildlife, but consider Flight Plan Rehab especially fortunate to have a relationship with Dr. Karin Tichy (Atlantic Veterinary Care in Damariscotta), who has a special interest in holistic medicine. Our multi-faceted approach to healing injuries and illnesses embraces the possibilities, as needed, of allopathic, naturopathic, traditional Chinese medicinal, and/or homeopathic treatments.
Flight Plan Rehab’s mission includes not only providing expert care at our facility, but also teaching, mentoring, and fine-tuning protocols that can be passed to the next generation of wild bird caregivers. Although we are not currently involved directly in the rehabilitation of loons and raptors, we continue to share our expertise in consultations with colleagues.