Save Our Seabirds

Volunteer Spotlight

   Minimize

Today I was eyeball to eyeball with a night heron who was visiting SOS – we stared at each other while he sat on a railing, hoping to share in the buckets of fish that were passing him on their way to the hospital.  Just before that, a gorgeous cockatoo, named Gabby, sang Happy Birthday to me – it’s not my birthday, but she didn’t ask and I didn’t disabuse her of that – I simply joined in. 

Lee asked me what goes through my head - and heart - on Thursday mornings, when I volunteer at SOS. 

First, my head:  I volunteer at SOS because I believe in the work that is being done here and realize that whatever I do to help, whether it be folding towels for the hospital, or folding newspapers for the bottoms of cages, I am freeing up manpower that is critical in rehabilitating the birds that have come to the center needing expert care.  I write thank you notes that are sent out across this country, and overseas, to people who have donated money to SOS because they realize the importance of the work being done here.  Occasionally, I have been called upon to rescue a bird.  I have learned not to ask if my rescue has survived its trauma – I like to believe they all do.

We humans share this part of Paradise (aka Sarasota) with myriad animal species.  And, in so doing, this is now “Paradise Lost” for many of these creatures. Our encroachment into their living space (for they were here first) has had dire consequences.  SOS is one woman’s passionate vision to make a difference for these injured birds.

So, my heart:  it is lightened by my playing even a small part in this important work and it delights in my silly conversations and duets with know-it-all cockatoos.

Nan Miller

Volunteer

   Minimize

The following volunteer jobs are available. Download an application and send it to us, or just drop by and we will find the position that is right for you.

Gift Shop

After training, sell items in our gift shop. Open 11 AM to 4 PM.

Hospital Support Staff

Prepare meals for the birds, wash dishes, clean indoor cages.

Groundskeeper

Rake cages, empty and clean pools, feed the birds.

Landscape Maintenance

Cut brush and vines, pull weeds, sweep walkways, empty trash cans.

Office

Write thank you notes, fold towels and newspapers to be placed in the cages of injured birds.

Rescue

After training be put on a call list to rescue birds.

Fundraising 

SOS's efforts are supported by donations, fundraising events, and some grants.

Greeter

Our Greeter Program is available to volunteers who would like to share their love of birds with visitors to Save Our Seabirds (SOS). It’s for individuals who would enjoy speaking to visitors as they walk around our bird sanctuary and telling them about:

  • our mission to rescue and rehabilitate injured birds
  • how the specific birds were injured
  • some details about the particular bird species that they’re looking at in the habitats as they walk around

No experience in being a greeter or birder is necessary. If this is something that would interest you and you can devote one afternoon per week (or more hours if you so choose) please download the volunteer form and highlight your interest in becoming a greeter. Then SOS will contact you and put you in touch with our Greeter Coordinator for a personalized tour along with written information about our mission and the specific resident birds that we have at SOS. The Greeter Coordinator will also update you regularly on any new birds that have come in and share recent information that you can impart to visitors.”