1 Year Later, Wild Bird Fund Sees Plenty Of Wild Birds -- And More -- On UWS

New York (CBSNewYork) It's been nearly a year since the Wild Bird Fund opened New York City's only center for wildlife rehabilitation, located on Manhattan's Upper West Side. "Once those doors opened, more and more people came", co-founder Rita McMahon told 1010WINS, "and with every person came an animal".

Listen to 1010 WINS' Susan Richard interview Wild Bird Fund Co-founder Rita McMahon:

According to McMahon, the Wild Bird Fund has rescued and rehabilitated some 1,500 birds spanning more than 110 species in the last year alone. Among their current residents, are a Red-Tailed hawk from Manhattan, a Cooper's hawk from the Bronx and a Kestrel from Staten Island.

The Wild Bird Fund was founded in 2005 and until last year, operated primarily out of Animal General Hospital, which is across the street from their current storefront location at 565 Columbus Avenue. But it's not only species of birds being brought in. They've assisted opossums, and "quite the squirrel brigade", says McMahon. "Most of those are young squirrels that have fallen out and they can't get back in their nests."

Watch a video of the Wild Bird Fund, featured in All For Animals with 1010 WINS' Susan Richard:

Perhaps the most unusual rescue was someone's pet fish, a Pacu found on the sidewalk in a bucket. McMahon told 1010 WINS the fish couldn't even unfold his tail, but thrived after being placed alone in their waterfowl tank until they found it a new home.

The Wild Bird Fund takes in animals saved by good samaritans, as well as other organizations including Animal Care & Control ,  The Mayor's Alliance For New York City's Animals, Central Park Conservancy, NYPD and FDNY. They're a not-for-profit organization that relies soley on donations and does not receive city funding. Donations can be made at www.wildbirdfund.org. There are also a variety of volunteer opportunities.

On Thursday, April 4th, the Wild Bird Fund will be hosting its second annual gala at the Birdie Vanderbilt Mansion on East 93rd Street. Tickets can be purchased on their website.