ForTheBirdsAcadiana | Wildlife Rehabilitation & Bird Rescue

For The Birds of Acadiana

For The Birds of Acadiana / Wildlife Rehabilitation / Bird Rescue

FOUND A BIRD

Our Why

Migratory birds play a crucial role in maintaining the health of ecosystems across the globe.

At For The Birds of Acadiana, the mission to protect, rehabilitate, and release these birds back into the wild supports not only the birds themselves but also the broader environment and communities that depend on a balanced natural world. Understanding why this mission matters helps us appreciate the delicate connections between wildlife and human activity, and why active efforts to support migratory birds are essential.

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Found A Bird?

Injured, ill and orphaned birds can be brought to our facility between the hours of 7am - 7pm, Seven days per week.

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Support Us

Your support provides us the resources to make sure the birds in our care receive the best possible chance of survival, with the ultimate goal of release back into the wild.

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Threats to Birds

Migratory birds are among nature's most magnificent resources. Their conservation is a critical and challenging endeavor for the Migratory Bird Program and all who value nature.
Discover the top anthropogenic causes of wild bird mortality and simple actions to help.

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Impact Report

Wildlife rehabilitation demands patience, skill, and countless hours of dedication. For The Birds of Acadiana, 2025 was a year marked by significant successes and challenges in caring for injured and orphaned wildlife. This analysis explores our rehabilitation statistics, focusing on birds and bats admitted during the reporting period. Understanding these numbers sheds light on the realities of wildlife care and highlights the importance of supporting organizations committed to conservation.

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Affiliates

For the Birds of Acadiana is proud to partner with Moncus Park to bring rehabilitated, federally protected birds to Lafayette’s premier 100-acre greenspace.

Our mission is further strengthened through our vital affiliation with the Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF). By aligning with LWF's statewide conservation advocacy network, we ensure our rehabilitation efforts meet the highest standards of ecological protection. Together, we are uniting local action with state-level expertise to champion biodiversity, support our wildlife community, and enrich the natural heritage of Acadiana.

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Blog

Welcome to the For The Birds of Acadiana Education Blog, your local guide to avian conservation in Louisiana. Driven by our mission to protect and preserve native songbirds and migratory birds, this space offers essential resources for wildlife lovers. Explore our expert tips on temporary bird care, learn how to handle wildlife emergencies safely, and discover how your everyday actions can help birds.

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Join Our VIB List

Stay informed about our latest rehabilitation efforts and get behind-the-scenes updates on our work with avian wildlife.
Don’t miss your chance to connect with our community and elevate your passion for birds - subscribe to our FREE V.I.B (Very Important Bird) list today and soar with us in making a difference!

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Meet The Board

At For The Birds of Acadiana, our Board of Directors comprises a dedicated group of professionals with diverse backgrounds and expertise in wildlife rehabilitation, wildlife medicine, financial and business management, and community engagement.

Together, we are committed to guiding our mission of caring for injured and orphaned birds, while fostering a greater understanding of avian wildlife conservation within our community.

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Merch

There's no better way to flaunt your support than by sporting our custom For The Birds of Acadiana merchandise.All proceeds go straight into providing our federally protected feathered friends with medical care, food, and appropriate housing while in our care. Your support will make a difference in saving these wild lives. Together, we can help these birds spread their wings and fly high again.

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Team Work

At For The Birds of Acadiana, our small but mighty group brings together working professionals, seasoned rehabilitators, and veterinary and environmental students.

Guided by shared principles, we are united by a single, powerful mission. We care deeply about sustaining avian wildlife and protecting the vital environments they inhabit. Through this unique blend of expertise and passion, our dedicated team creates a meaningful impact on our local ecosystems.

Protecting the Wetlands Our Birds Call Home: Why Habitat Protection Matters to For The Birds of Acadiana

Birds in Louisiana depend heavily on the region’s unique wetlands for survival. These habitats provide food, shelter, and breeding grounds essential to their life cycles. Yet, ongoing wetland loss threatens these vital ecosystems and the bird populations they support. Protecting these habitats is not just about preserving nature’s beauty—it is about maintaining the ecological balance that sustains both wildlife and human communities.

For The Birds

4 days ago

Black-bellied whistling ducks in Louisiana

Louisiana’s Expanding Waterfowl: Getting to know the Black-Bellied Whistling Duck

Black-bellied whistling ducks stand out among waterfowl in Louisiana with their striking appearance and unique behaviors. Understanding their history, habitats, breeding habits, and the legal protections they enjoy helps us appreciate these gregarious birds. This post dives into the life of black-bellied whistling ducks in Louisiana and offers practical advice on how to support their well-being and what to do if you find an injured or orphaned duck.

For The Birds

Jul 11

Male wood duck perched on a mossy tree branch in a Louisiana swamp

Exploring the Fascinating World of Wood Ducks in Louisiana and Their Conservation Needs

Wood ducks are among the most striking and colorful waterfowl found in North America. In Louisiana, these birds add a splash of vibrant color to the wetlands and forests, captivating bird watchers and nature lovers alike. This post explores the life of wood ducks in Louisiana, highlights the conservation efforts that help protect this remarkable species and what to do if you find an injured or orphaned wood duck.

For The Birds

Jul 7

Exploring the Habitat and Nesting Habits of Chimney Swifts and Their Role in Insect Control

Chimney Swifts are fascinating birds that play a vital role in controlling insect populations. Their unique lifestyle and nesting habits make them an interesting subject for bird enthusiasts and conservationists alike. This post explores where chimney swifts live, what they eat, how and where they build their nests, their behavior, and the conservation challenges they face. Understanding these aspects can help us appreciate these birds and support efforts to protect them.

For The Birds

Jul 5

The Impact of Inappropriate Human Intervention on Healthy Fledgling Blue Jays and Northern Mockingbirds

Every spring and summer, many people in Acadiana encounter young birds on the ground, often Northern Mockingbirds or Blue Jays, and feel compelled to help. The instinct to "rescue" healthy fledgling Blue Jays and Mockingbirds from perceived threats like free-roaming cats, hawks, or snakes is strong. Yet, this well-meaning intervention can cause serious harm to healthy fledglings, both physically and mentally.

For The Birds

Jul 1

Our Why: The Goal of Migratory Bird Rehabilitation

Migratory birds play a crucial role in maintaining the health of ecosystems across the globe. At For The Birds of Acadiana, the mission to protect, rehabilitate, and release these birds back into the wild supports not only the birds themselves but also the broader environment and communities that depend on a balanced natural world.

For The Birds

Jul 1

Human intervention - even well meaning, can disrupt the natural growth and spirit of fledgling birds like Blue Jays

The Untold Journey of a Fledgling Blue Jay Kidnapped by Humans and the Impact on Growth and Spirit

I never expected my first flight to be interrupted by hands that were not my parents’. I am a fledgling Blue Jay, just learning to explore the world beyond my nest. But instead of soaring freely, I found myself taken away by a human who thought they were helping me. This is my story—a story of how human intervention, even when well-meaning, can disrupt the natural growth and spirit of young birds like me.

For The Birds

May 29