Helping birds of a feather to stay together at new refuge

Two avian conservation organizations benefit from Enbridge support

With Feathers, a northern Michigan-based avian rescue organization, recently dedicated its new rehabilitation shed, which will enable the not-for-profit organization to advance its mission to rehabilitate sick and injured birds.

A $5,900 grant from Enbridge helped With Feathers to purchase the shed, which is critical to the organization’s mission. This year alone, the organization has successfully rehabilitated and released more than 170 birds into their natural habitat.

However, not all rescued birds are healthy enough for release. Instead, they live at With Feathers through the remainder of their lifetime. This is the case for a juvenile yellow-crowned night heron named Blue.

According to With Feathers, Blue represents an endangered bird species last documented in the Upper Peninsula more than five decades ago. Blue arrived at With Feathers with a broken wing, limiting his ability to fly long distances. While he never will be able to return to the wild, he plays an important role in helping With Feathers promote wildlife education.

“The beautiful wildlife and waters throughout the State makes Michigan truly a special place,” says Emma Cook, a Michigan-based Enbridge community relations representative. “We all need to do what we can to protect these natural treasures.”