A Visit To A Release Aviary

On Friday 19^th May I went with Wildlife Assistant Rob to a release aviary close to Stapeley Grange. We took six Mistle Thrushes that had been in our care for a couple of weeks, along with food and water and released them into the aviary. The aviary is situated in a woodland and made out of wire mesh panels.  This is the final stage for the birds; they are subjected to all weather conditions and sounds but have the security of the aviary which protects from potential predators. 

Everyday a wildlife assistant travels to the aviary to give the birds fresh food and water… Rob said he might even trust me to do it! 

After 10-14 days a hatch is opened on the side of the cage and the birds are allowed to leave the aviary, as and when they please.  All of our birds released from these aviaries are ringed with a BTO ring in case they are seen in the wild.  They may even find themselves in our care again or even picked up at another wildlife hospital. 

The aviary is used for a number of species over the summer including thrushes, starlings, house sparrows and blackbirds.  Soft release protocols are always our preferred release options but our mobile aviaries also free up space in our main aviaries which allows us to get our birds out quicker and prevents a backlog of animals in the wildlife hospital.  The birds soon began to bathe in their water bath and fill their beaks with the food provided; bird seed, prosecto and meal worms provided.

Catherine Smith

Student Placement

'If you would like to help RSPCA Stapeley Grange with a donation of just £3, simply text RSPCA2 to 70007' Texts cost £3 + standard network rate.