Save Me Sunday: Greasy Pigeon Rescue

I currently volunteer at the Wild Bird Fund, an amazing nonprofit in NYC which provides emergency care for wild birds and animals in NYC.

This (below) is a pigeon I found a few weeks ago in NYC. He was so covered in grease he was all black, and even couldn't fly. What happens in NYC is that when it rains pigeons might seek shelter under a hot dog cart, then they get grease on them and the dirt sticks to the grease, making a real mess that they can't clean on their own.

We saw him in the park one day, saw that he was trying to fly but couldn't (dangerous for a bird!). So we gently caught him using my light jacket, and brought him to the Wild Bird Fund on Manhattan's Upper West Side.

General tip: If an ADULT bird is able to be easily caught, then it is likely it needs medical help in some way. A healthy animal will almost always be able to get away from you!

After a couple of weeks at the Wild Bird Fund, and a few baths (we use Dawn soap), he was all clean, able to fly, and ready to go back to his flock. The whole process takes a couple of weeks because pigeons should only get a bath every 3 days, so their natural oils are not too depleted.  It took him about 4 or 5 total baths, he was so filthy!

BEFORE: Getting his final bath!
We use Dawn soap and a soft toothbrush to get the grease and grime off.

This video below is him getting blow-dried after his final bath. Pigeons are sensitive to the cold, so the water must be 105 degrees (matching their body temp), and then we help them dry by using a hair dryer on low.

You can see he likes it. He is not tame, but we don't even have to hold him. He could fly away if he wanted, but it feels so good!

AFTER: A couple of days later, in his box in a cab, on the way back to his flock.
Lookin' good Mr. Bird!

This is his release! I love how he runs right over to his buddies, he's so happy to be back with his family!

I hope everyone takes advantage of the opportunity to volunteer at their local animal rescue. Be it domestic or wild animals, it is an amazingly rewarding experience!

Find your next volunteer opportunity:

Volunteer with the ASPCA

VolunteerMatch Animal volunteer opportunities

Not into the dirty work of handling the animals directly, but still want to help? Other Ways to Volunteer at your Local Rescue

*~*~*~*~*~*