Everyone's support and encouragement has meant a lot. If I wouldn't have become a poster here, I likely never would have pursued working with owls, but thanks to you all, I worked with a Screech Owl and 3 Great Horns yesterday, along with 4 Red-tailed Hawks, 2 Red Shouldered Hawks, and a bunch of opossums and squirrels.

You guys listening to me and encouraging me to keep sharing gave me the push to go and volunteer, and my life has been so much richer getting to work with so many amazing animals and fellow animal rescuers.

[–] DandomRude@lemmy.world 2 points 4 hours ago (1 children)

Aww, I'm so happy to hear that! I wish you all the very best, and thank you so much once again for letting us all be a part of this—even if it's just in a very small way.

[–] anon6789@lemmy.world 2 points 3 hours ago (1 children)

If anyone is ever interested in volunteering, I can answer many of your questions! Most things you'd want to do have a very low barrier of entry.

[–] DandomRude@lemmy.world 2 points 3 hours ago* (last edited 3 hours ago) (1 children)

I'm already thinking about anything more I could do. Those little creatures are so majestic and useful, and some species could use some help in my home country, too. It's truly commendable that you're standing up for them and raise awareness. We need a lot more people like you—then the world would be a much better place. But hey, you're showing us how we can all do our part.

Here in Germany, there are various professionals who are employed and mainly funded by the government, but if I ever have to deal with owls myself I'll get in touch with you right away.

I joined my local nature conservation a year ago, and you definitely played a part in that. I only provide a little financial support, but maybe I can do even more—besides following their very helpful recommendations for protecting nature (which is why I now only grow wildflowers on my balcony for example).

[–] anon6789@lemmy.world 3 points 3 hours ago (1 children)

That is excellent what you are doing! Anything helps so much.

I don't know how things work in Germany, but I took a quick look at the references in the c/superbowl sidebar and we have 2 lists of rescues in Germany.

Link1 Link2

I pulled up a random one and checked their "Support" menu and saw volunteering right away.

Ehrenamtliche Mitarbeit Insbesondere am Wochenende fehlt es an Unterstützung in der Tierpflege. Selbst, wenn jemand nur ein bis zwei Stunden Zeit hat, ist das eine große Hilfe. Vorkenntnisse sind dabei nicht nötig. Zu den möglichen Aufgaben zählt neben dem Füttern von Jungtieren beispielsweise auch das Säubern der Volieren. Außerdem werden handwerklich begabte Helfende gesucht, die Reparaturen vornehmen können, Fahrdienste übernehmen oder die Futterwiese mähen.

Wer sich ehrenamtlich engagieren möchte, erreicht uns telefonisch unter info@wildvogelhilfe-rheinland.de. Bitte eine Nachricht auf dem Anrufbeantworter hinterlassen, damit wir uns zurückmelden können.

(Translated)

Volunteer work Especially on weekends, there is a lack of support in animal care. Even if someone only has one or two hours to spare, it's a great help. Previous knowledge is not necessary. In addition to feeding young animals, the possible tasks include, for example, cleaning the aviaries. In addition, talented helpers are needed who can carry out repairs, take over driving services or mow the feed meadow.

If you would like to volunteer, you can reach us by phone at info@wildvogelhilfe-rheinland.de. Please leave a message on the answering machine so that we can get back to you.

[–] DandomRude@lemmy.world 2 points 2 hours ago* (last edited 2 hours ago) (1 children)

You're the best! Unfortunately, the Rhineland isn't in reach for me, but I'll look around (nothing listed for my zip there atm). I had no idea that they were actually looking for volunteers here, too.

Thank you so much for the info. I'll check those links regularly now and get involved if something pops up that's even somewhat close to where I am. If I come across any other sites during my research that might be interesting, I'll let you know.

[–] anon6789@lemmy.world 1 points 1 hour ago

I help where I can!

Link1 is broken down by zip code and the second lists the cities where they are. I just picked on at random since I have no clue where you are. 🙂

I was surprised when you said there was funding, since to my knowledge no rescue gets public funds anywhere. The one I picked randomly did talk about some type federal volunteer internship, so it does sound like there is some type of public partnership there, but I don't want to give advice based on translations.

It would be exciting if you got to find something. I lucked out having a place about 20 minutes from me. We have a lot of people coming from about an hour away.

[–] UrPartnerInCrime@sh.itjust.works 3 points 4 hours ago (1 children)

And our lives are made richer by your presence here!

Super happy for you!

[–] anon6789@lemmy.world 1 points 4 hours ago

I'm glad you all still enjoy what I share! I had assumed you all would have been bored ages ago. 😄