Nearing the 20 year mark in my career as an opera singer, I saw an injured Mourning Dove huddled in the backyard of the 1st floor apartment in our 3 story walk-up in Chelsea, New York City. Without a plan or a thought I bounded down the fire escape with a t-shirt, placed it over the dove, and dashed back. I immediately dialed 311 only to discover the City provides no services to wild birds. But a quick google search landed me on New York City Pigeon Rescue Central. I submitted a report and within 5 minutes received a phone call advising me where to bring the dove for medical help!
I was stunned that I had never thought about who takes care of New York City's birds. I liked their presence, but had no particular interest. Everything changed. I joined NYCPRC, rescued many, many birds all over NYC, began training to become a wild bird rehabilitator, got a license, got a job at a rehab center, rehabbed birds in our home, and currently am working in Maine at another rehab center to gain more experience!
In midst this passion for helping wild birds, I obsessively photographed birds wherever I went.
