The Bird Center of Washtenaw County is Taking Flight Towards New Beginnings

By: Ashlee Root

The Bird Center of Washtenaw County, a non profit 501 c3 wildlife rehabilitation center, has moved into a new facility located at 7800 Platt Road in Saline.

The center was founded in 2004 by Carol Akerloft, and has served the community as a place of refuge for injured or orphaned songbirds with the occasional shore or waterfowl birds.

At their previous location, the birds needed to be moved out at least 3 times each year because the building also served as a polling location. This past winter, while searching for a new building to call home, the Leslie Nature Science Center graciously housed all feathered friends for 5 months.

The new facility in Saline was found in late February and dedicated staff and volunteers have been moving in and setting up for the last 5 weeks. Clinic Director, Andrea Aiuto, shares that the Bird Center is so excited for the new facility because there is a “Ton of more space to rehab birds and put them in bigger and larger enclosures. There is the ability to have rooms specifically designated to certain species or groups. We now have 2.5 acres plus a pole barn that will give us the opportunity to have flight cages on our property. The land and pole barn also allow us to host more events, educational programs and fundraisers.”

Aiuto additionally shared that “Even though we were able to get a new facility we need help from our community to support it and keep it going.” The Bird Center has a wishlist of needed items which can be found on their website and Facebook page.

The Bird Center is not holding any public events currently due to COVID-10 but is accepting volunteer applications. They are expected to release a public announcement on their website (@birdcenterwashtenaw.org) and Facebook page about their new facility and other updates in the near future.