For The Birds of Acadiana

For The Birds of Acadiana / Wildlife Rehabilitation / Bird Rescue

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.

Rescue and Release Stories of South Louisiana Birds

A strip of nylon can turn a wild bird’s normal day into a fight for survival. So can a closed vehicle, a window strike, or a few hours without food. Two recent rescues show what makes wildlife rehabilitation work: alert finders, clear instructions, careful handling, and a safe place for injured birds to recover.

For The Birds of Acadiana

4 hours ago

A night heron rests while perched in a tree

Night Herons in South Louisiana - Nesting Habits, Behavior, and Rescue Tips

Night herons belong to South Louisiana as much as live oaks, bayous, and summer rain. New Orleans yards and nearby wetlands give them food, shade, and nesting cover. A fallen nestling usually needs help. A healthy juvenile often needs space. An injured, weak, tangled, or pet-caught heron needs professional care. When in doubt, protect the bird from immediate danger, keep pets away, avoid feeding, and call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

For The Birds of Acadiana

1 day ago

hummingbirds at feeder, autumn migration.jpg

Hyperphagia in Migratory Birds - What South Louisiana Feeders Can Expect and How to Help

During migration, many birds enter a feeding mode called hyperphagia, which simply means they eat much more than usual. They’re not being greedy. They’re fueling a trip that may stretch hundreds or even thousands of miles, often through weather, predators, and long stretches with few safe places to stop. South Louisiana matters because it sits along the "Southernmost Welcome Center" of the Mississippi Flyway, a major migratory pathway near the Gulf.

For The Birds of Acadiana

2 days ago

Avian Wildlife Rescue FAQ: What to Do When You Find an Injured Bird

Finding an injured bird can feel urgent and confusing. The right help usually starts with three simple steps: keep the bird safe, reduce stress, and contact a licensed avian wildlife rehabilitator. This FAQ explains what to do, what not to do, and how The finder becomes the first link in the rescue chain. For The Birds of Acadiana and similar rehabilitation groups depend on responsible finders. Every safe box, careful drive, and timely call gives an injured bird a better cha

For The Birds of Acadiana

4 days ago

Wildlife rehabilitation starts with direct care. That work is detailed, physical, and time-sensitive.

How Local Bird Rehabilitation Supports National Conservation and Wildlife Protection

Behind the scenes, wildlife rehabilitators help close a critical gap in national bird conservation. They care for living animals in crisis. They collect information about threats. They educate the public. They support laws that protect native species. They also turn a local rescue into a real connection between people and wildlife.

For The Birds of Acadiana

Sep 4

An injured Hummingbird rests on soft material

What To Do When You Find an Injured Hummingbird in Louisiana

A sore wing, a hard window hit, or a small puncture wound can quickly become life-threatening, especially during migration. In Louisiana, where many hummingbirds pass through on long journeys across the Gulf Coast, an injury can mean the difference between making it to the next stop and running out of strength. If you’ve found one on the ground, sitting oddly, unable to fly, or acting weak, the kindest thing you can do is keep it safe, warm, and calm, then get it to a permitt

For The Birds of Acadiana

Sep 4

Louisiana offers shelter and food for migrants moving along the Mississippi Flyway.

Fall Migration in Louisiana-The Southernmost Welcome Center of the Mississippi Flyway

Here in Louisiana, we sit at one of the most important crossroads in North America. Our region serves as the Southernmost Welcome Center of the Mississippi Flyway, a place where migrating birds can rest, refuel, and recover before one of the toughest parts of their trip: crossing the Gulf.

For The Birds of Acadiana

Sep 2