By David and Kelly Ward of Featherhaven

Wildlife of all kinds can end up in the hands of a licensed professional wildlife rehabilitator. The reasons behind their sickness, injury, or struggle are varied. However, in more than 90% of the cases, the causes of a wild animal’s problems are either directly or indirectly the result of human-caused impacts.  

From carefully chosen nests to demanding parental care, the early life of birds is a delicate balance between survival and growth. How a chick develops, what strategies parents use, and how many young a bird raises all reflect evolutionary tradeoffs honed over millions of years.

Feathers are versatile tools, finely tuned by evolution to insulate, waterproof, camouflage, signal, and even produce sound. They are living evidence that in nature, a single adaptation can serve multiple purposes.

bird migration is far more complex, a delicate choreography shaped by evolution, environmental cues, and sheer endurance. Birds migrate to track resources, avoid harsh climates, and ensure their survival, and they do it with remarkable precision.

Watching a bird soar across the sky or hover midair can feel effortless, but beneath that grace is a staggering combination of physics, biology, and raw energy.