By MOLLY DAVIDON / Staff Writer

PELHAM—The Alabama Wildlife Center celebrated its youngest patients with the annual Baby Bird Shower on May 30. Hundreds stopped by the AWC to welcome the babies and enjoy the party.

The celebration included games, a scavenger hunt, crafts and, of course, cake. The AWC’s glove-trained education birds were also on hand to meet and take photos with attendees.

“It’s a great opportunity for people in the community to come to the Wildlife Center to see what we do, to see our babies… and to enjoy just a fun family time,” AWC Executive Director Doug Adair said of the event.

The Baby Bird Shower is more than just a celebration, it offers guests a chance to pitch in and help the AWC during the busiest time of the year. Many visitors dropped off gifts for the baby birds, including paper towels, fresh fruit and birdseed.

Every year from April to October, the AWC treats hundreds of injured and orphaned baby birds. This year, the AWC is on track to treat more than 1,000 baby birds, Adair said.

“Our resources are stretched to the limit,” Adair said. “This kind of support has a major impact on our ability to fulfill our mission… (these) items are critical to caring for these animals.”

The AWC cares for and rehabilitates baby bird patients until they are ready to be released into the wild. In addition to baby birds, the AWC treats thousands of birds each year.

As a non-profit organization, the AWC relies on volunteers and supporters to continue its care, Adair said.

“We depend on extra help from our supporters and people who believe in what we do to get us through this busiest time of the year,” Adair said. “It’s very important to what we do.”

AWC supporter Lyn Smart brought her grandchildren to the Baby Bird Shower to meet the birds and learn about the local wildlife.

“For us, it’s about conserving the wildlife. I want the kids to learn to appreciate it,” Smart said. “This gives them a chance to see the money you spend in action, what the check is doing and why we’re doing it.”