Money doesn't grow on trees?

Obviously if it did, we all would have an orchard in our backyard. OK, so if you haven't been to the Bird TLC website, you might not know that we are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

This is our opening.......


The Bird Treatment and Learning Center is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to rehabilitating sick, injured or orphaned wild birds and providing avian education programs to the public. Dr. James R. Scott, an Anchorage veterinarian, now retired, founded Bird TLC in 1988. Dr. Scott, along with other Alaskan veterinarians, donates his time to treat the birds in need. In addition to medical care, Bird TLC provides a variety of educational programs to increase people's awareness of the wild birds around them and to encourage preservation of their habitat. Bird TLC is supported by education program fees and contributions from individuals, private foundations, corporations.

OK, got that? Let me give you some statistics also before we get to what this post is really about. So far this year, Bird TLC has taken in 43 Eagles and over 600 other types of wild birds. We take any wild bird that's native to or migrates through Alaska. So, that means we take Chickadee's to Bald Eagles. We have over a 50% release rate. That means that half the birds are released back to the wild. The other 50% are either placed in other facilities.because of their injuries or they didn't survive. We have an excellent rehab program.

OK, here's the beef. Unfortunately this doesn't come free. I'm not going to knock you over with a figure on what it cost to operate the clinic. We are fortunate to have some very GREAT supporters. ConocoPhillp's and BP are fantastic. On the local side we have Pet Stop and Umialik Insurance that donates equipment or computers and then we have people. If it wasn't for people, we would have to close the doors long ago. It's those people that we depend on to keep our clinic operating. It also allows us to have our Education Programs.

Fortunately our eagles eat salmon. It's a source of food that we have donated. But the other birds eat rats, mice, quail, seed, eggs, veggies, etc. Our food bill is worse than when the kids lived at home. Then you also have the day to day supplies, medications, x-ray film, utilities and it goes on and on. I feel sorry for our accountant.

So, to cut it short, if you're looking for that last minute holiday present that will mean more than a tie, or if you're looking for a possible tax write off, think of Bird TLC. You don't know how much it is appreciated. You can send a check to....

Bird TLC

6132 Nielson Way

Anchorage, AK 99518

Or call our office manager Lynette and give her your credit card number. Her direct line is

907-562-4850

Write on your check BLOG or tell Lynette where you got the idea from. I only ask once a year.

Happy Holidays!