"The 71-year-old man cradled a small juvenile robin in his hand. He fed the bird soggy dog-food pellets with tweezers. The was injured badly. But not dead. “Sssshhh” he said as bird. He’s rehabilitated hundreds—maybe thousands of birds over last 20 years. About 100 million are killed annually US by window collisions. They call it strike. when collide windows many them don’t actually die. Often Samaritans take and mammals to veterinary clinics. And usually one such cheerful employee will accept infirm say blue jay reply “Uhhhhh… Thanks?” Most people ever think about where those go from there. Well they places like this. older worked patiently robin pet cockatiel riding on shoulder pirate-style. Meantime co-volunteer tube an red squirrel. There lots animals this place. It’s almost zoo. tiny makeshift aviary size workshed contains every kind. Jays robins cardinals finches. were ducklings kennels. Cages outside furry creatures. Even homemade duck pond out back. teaches new volunteers their trade. shows younger recruits how feed rabbits. How massage opossum’s abdomen stimulate poop. determine has had enough eat. become adoptive parents. do everything. Sometimes these spend eight hours here shed-like structure. This volunteer outfit based Ohio rehabilitates releases nearly 2000 year. Which is huge number for small operation considering that Ohio’s fancy Wildlife Center Hospital only treated 9000. full-time job says. Some require feedings 15 minutes. need be half hour even during night hours. Not them. have change bandages administer therapy pay close attention monitor progress. so far keep beside sleep. One remarks “Some coming in crushes you see Then getting stronger strength back it life back… awesome.” nothing perhaps more moving than release into wild. emotional experience. cry privately flies away. Others feel something deep within themselves. Something cannot explain. A reverence maybe. reflection short our own time earth. watch creature flight hear lot sniffling. usually moment rapt silence among them stand staring sun. “He made it” wiping eyes sleeve. “Yeah” another reply softly. ceremony finished prison guards gently clear throats escort each cell."