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A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question ๐Ÿ’ญ
New York, NY

Does anyone know of any shops,etc where you can work just with birds? What training if any would they need?

April 16
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A MyAutismTeam Member

Several bird sanctuaries and wildlife rehabilitation centers in New York, including the Wild Bird Fund and Garden City Bird Sanctuary, need volunteers for hands-on animal care, habitat restoration, and educational outreach. Opportunities range from cleaning habitats and feeding animals to leading tours and removing invasive species.
Key Volunteer Opportunities:
Wild Bird Fund (NYC): Volunteers help with daily care, cleaning, and feeding of rehabilitated birds.
Westchester Migratory Bird Sanctuary: Needs help on Saturdays for habitat improvement, such as removing invasive plants and planting native species.
Garden City Bird Sanctuary: Seeks volunteer corps members for property maintenance and leadership roles.
NYC Bird Alliance (formerly NYC Audubon): Focuses on conservation, offering various volunteering roles in habitat protection.
Grassland Bird Trust (Fort Edward): Volunteers for bird surveys, field trips, and habitat management.
NYC Plover Project: Volunteers needed for protecting shorebirds on the Rockaway Peninsula.
The Bird Sanctuary at W 120th St (Riverside Park): Weekly/monthly opportunities to work with field staff on habitat maintenance.

Other Opportunities:
Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge: Offers beach cleanup, trail maintenance, and marketing support roles.
Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge: Opportunities for education and visitor services.
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge: Volunteers can work in the Visitor Center and Nature Store.
Farm Sanctuary (Watkins Glen): Requires volunteers for farm chores and visitor programs.
Best Friends Parrot Garden: Volunteers can read to, socialize with, or help care for birds.

Bird training in New York, NY, ranges from educational birding workshops and citizen science initiatives to specialized raptor handling. Key resources include the NYC Bird Alliance (birding classes/outings), Wild Bird Fund Academy (youth education), and Falconry Excursions in nearby Goshen for hands-on falconry training.

Key Bird Training & Education Opportunities
Birding Classes & Outings: The NYC Bird Alliance offers in-person and virtual classes on bird identification and behavior.
Falconry and Raptor Training: Falconry Excursions provides hands-on falconry experiences, including the "Hawk Walk," where participants learn to call birds of prey to their fist.
Youth Ornithology: The Wild Bird Fund runs the Bird Academy, which offers lessons on bird care, biology, and rehabilitation for students.
Citizen Science Training: Organizations like the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) encourage participation in programs such as the Breeding Bird Atlas to train volunteers in monitoring bird populations.
Professional Banding Education: The Braddock Bay Bird Observatory offers workshops on bird banding and handling techniques.
Beginner Birding Resources: The NYC Bird Alliance offers guides for new birders, including tips for identifying birds in local parks.

April 16
A MyAutismTeam Member

Thank you for all this info BrianBrooks !

April 16
A MyAutismTeam Member

Thank you so much Allison2๐Ÿ™‚

April 16
MyAutismTeam

What types of workplaces or training are available for adults with autism who want to work with birds?

Working with birds can be a wonderful focused interest and career path! Here are some workplace options to explore:

* Pet stores (like Petco or local bird specialty shops)
* Aviaries or bird sanctuaries
* Zoos or Show Full Answer

What types of workplaces or training are available for adults with autism who want to work with birds?

Working with birds can be a wonderful focused interest and career path! Here are some workplace options to explore:

* Pet stores (like Petco or local bird specialty shops)
* Aviaries or bird sanctuaries
* Zoos or wildlife rehabilitation centers
* Veterinary clinics that specialize in birds
* Bird breeding facilities

For training, it depends on the specific role:

* Entry-level positions at pet stores often provide on-the-job training
* Wildlife rehabilitation typically requires volunteer experience first, then certification programs
* Veterinary assistant roles may need a certificate program (usually 6 months to 1 year)
* Some positions value hands-on experience and passion over formal credentials

Many autistic adults find success in animal-related work because it can involve predictable routines, clear tasks, and less social pressure than other jobs. Starting with volunteer work at a local bird rescue or pet store can help build experience and connections.

Some workplaces offer job coaching support, which can be helpful during the transition into a new role. This kind of structured support has helped many autistic adults succeed in their chosen careers.

April 16

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A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question ๐Ÿ’ญ
fairfax va, VA