Avian Haven
Maine's trusted wildlife rehabilitation center dedicated to injured, sick, and orphaned wild birds from the northeast and across the Atlantic Flyway.
NEED HELP WITH A BIRD?
We're Here to Help
CALL US
(207) 382-6761
Wildlife emergency hotline
OPEN DAILY
9am – 5pm
Year-round care for wildlife
LOCATED IN
Freedom, Maine
Central Maine region
OUR MISSION
Dedicated to the Wild Birds of Maine
Avian Haven is a wildlife rehabilitation center dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured, sick, and orphaned wild birds in Maine, many of whom migrate from throughout the Atlantic Flyway.
Founded on the belief that every bird deserves a second chance, we provide expert veterinary care and compassionate rehabilitation in our state-of-the-art facility in rural Maine.
Our dedicated team of experienced wildlife rehabilitators and trained volunteers work tirelessly year-round to give injured, sick and orphaned birds the care they need to return to the wild.
Patient Stories
A closer look at the birds whose journeys inspire our work.
Merlin
When a Merlin arrived at Avian Haven after a predator attack, he carried a large, deep puncture wound in his right pectoral muscle — the very muscle a bird of prey depends on to fly. The odds of a full recovery were slim.
For weeks, our team flushed the wound with sterile saline, applied antibacterial ointments, and carefully removed necrotic tissue as the injury slowly granulated and healed. Twice-daily medication supported his recovery throughout.
What followed was a testament to resilience: flight training, stamina conditioning, and a bird determined to beat the odds. On March 25th, he was released at Langlais Art Preserve in Cushing, Maine — wild, strong, and free.
Pileated Woodpecker Babies
It started with a chainsaw. A landowner took down a large dead tree on his property not knowing that inside, three pileated woodpecker chicks had just hatched. By the time the tree hit the ground, the nest was gone and the parents had scattered. He called Avian Haven, and within hours the triplets were in our care.
Over three to four weeks, our team provided round-the-clock care as the chicks grew stronger — their red crests deepened, their calls grew louder, and they began drumming against their enclosure walls with unmistakable confidence. When the time came, the landowner invited us to release them on his land, in the same woods their parents still called home.
All three flew strong and sure into the tree line.
Great Black-Backed Gull
A Great Black-backed Gull arrived at Avian Haven with a plastic bottle ring cinched around its beak — unable to open its mouth, unable to eat, its face cut and wounded from the constant pressure. By the time it reached us, the damage was visible and the bird was significantly underweight.
Once the ring was removed and wounds were treated, the real work began: rebuilding the strength of a bird that had gone too long without a meal. Over 31 days, staff monitored its recovery as it regained weight and condition.
On May 1st, the gull was released back to the harbor it came from — a outcome made possible by the person who spotted it and made the call.
OUR IMPACT
Making a Difference, Every Day
0+
Volunteers Across Maine
Dedicated wildlife advocates
0K+
Community Followers
Growing awareness together
0-Day
Wildlife Hotline
Year-round emergency care
0K+
Birds Rehabilitated
Given a second chance
WHAT WE DO
Our Work
From the moment a bird arrives to the day it soars free again.
Rescue
Emergency intake and rapid response care for injured and orphaned birds.
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Rehabilitation
Expert veterinary care and rehabilitation in our state-of-the-art facility.
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Education
Connecting people to wildlife through education, outreach, and storytelling.
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Community Outreach
Volunteers and transporters helping wildlife across the state of Maine.
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Help Maine's Wild Birds
Heal and Return Home
Your generous donation directly supports the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured, sick and orphaned wild birds across Maine. Every dollar makes a difference.
Avian Haven is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible.ABOUT AVIAN HAVEN
A Place of Healing
Since our founding, Avian Haven has grown from a small home-based operation into one of Maine's most respected wildlife rehabilitation centers, caring for thousands of wild birds each year.
Our Story
Decades of dedicated service to Maine's wild bird population, driven by compassion and expertise.
Mission & Values
Guided by a deep respect for nature and a commitment to evidence-based wildlife rehabilitation.
Our Team
Licensed rehabilitators, our consulting veterinarian, and passionate volunteers working together for wildlife.
Volunteer Network
A growing community of 150+ wildlife advocates supporting rescue efforts statewide.
Stay Connected
Join our weekly newsletter, For The Birds, featuring insights, stories from Avian Haven, and practical things you can do to support our feathered friends!