The Nature Gallery, Llanidloes

Caring for Sick & Injured Birds of Prey in Mid-Wales

The Mid Wales Bird Hospital was established in 1988. During the nine years we ran it, we cared for over 500 birds. We concentrated on birds of prey as they are much tougher and easier to force feed, a necessary operation when they come in concussed. But we never turned anything away (not even otter cubs!)

We had herons, swifts, swans, ducks, the inevitable racing pigeons and all manners of small birds, but we had the most success with the raptors.

Injuries ranged from concussion to breakages, to the avian form of farmer's lung. Most of the injuries were caused by vehicles, but glass windows, cats, barbed wire and shooting also caused problems.

We had moments of great joy when we were able to return a bird to the wild and moments of great sadness when one died, but overall a feeling of contentment that we had done what we could to balance some of the harm done by man and repay the pleasure we gained by watching these creatures in the wild.