CHRISTOPHER DRIGGINS, also known as the Birdman, is shown here with one of the residents of his bird sanctuary.
When Christopher Driggins walks into the Northwest Bird Rescue, he is enthusiastically greeted by his own miniature jungle.
Amazons, Macaws, Cockatoos and African Grays rustle their wings, bounce up and down on their perches and squawk in excitement. Driggins manages The Northwest Bird Rescue, which is run wholly by volunteer efforts. The modest Orchards home that serves as their operations center features bamboo thatched walls, and wooden perches atop a series of sturdy cages that create a sort of web for the birds to explore.
"There’s still a lot of work that needs to be done here," said Driggins. "I really want to expand."
Expansion plans were halted, however, as Driggins is currently between jobs. Before unemployment, he said, much of his own money went to purchase bird feed and medication for wounded and sick birds.
"So far, some how, I’ve been watched over," he said. "I am a man of God, and I think He helps because some how things work out."
That doesn’t mean that Driggins doesn’t do his share of requesting donations from foster families and other volunteers. Even $10 can help cover the cost of bird seed, he said.
Driggins knows the story of each of his feathered, homeless tenants. One was ignored by its owners, another was kept in too small a cage, some were abused. Most of the birds at his sanctuary are missing large patches of feathers, which will grow back in time, others have suffered more severe injuries and are partially blind or disabled.
Even though the birds have been mistreated, they haven’t lost their need for affection or stimulation. Highly intelligent and attentive, the birds crave interaction with each other and with the volunteers. Driggins takes time to provide individual attention to all of the creatures in his sanctuary each day, which absorbs a large number of hours each week.
The trust that has built between the birds and Driggins show. They flock to his extended arm, dance when he sings a tune and cuddle in the crook of his arm. Driggins leans his face toward a Cockatoo, allowing the strong, sharp beak to nibble lightly at his skin.
"This is trust here," he said.
Although he has operated the Northwest Bird Rescue for a number of years, perhaps Driggins in best known in north Clark County for his involvement with the feral green and gray parrots, known as Monk parakeets, that were harmed when crews hired by Clark Public Utilities removed five nests they built on transformers situated on utility poles. At the time, Driggins worked with other area rescue groups and organizations to see that alternate nests were built for the birds.
Additionally, Driggins works with the Audubon Society, helping to rescue owls, falcons, red-tailed hawks or other injured birds. He cares for the wounded animals until they can be released back into the wild. The releases are usually attended by a small group of people and filmed for followers of his Facebook page to watch later.
"I usually get five calls a day, and usually more on weekends," he said of rescue calls.
Due to tight funding, however, he has to limit the number of trips he makes each day as well as the distance he travels.
A number of the parrots in Driggins’ care are available for adoption. Adoption costs are kept low. Smaller birds such as Parakeets and Cockatiels range from $5-20, and larger birds cost about $100. The adoption fee includes the bird’s cage, which for larger birds can cost three times as much as the adoption fee alone.
But it takes more than money to adopt from the Northwest Bird Rescue. Driggins goes through an adoption process to ensure the birds won’t have to return to the sanctuary. He also helps to educate new owners about proper care instructions for each bird.
Two Yacolt parrot fledglings need homes in the area. They need their own housing, but a first time owner’s brochure has been compiled at The Parrot Perch for these birds. Call Driggins for details
Driggins welcomes charitable donations to help care for the birds. Items such as bird cages, bowls and appropriate bird feed are also appreciated, but call first to set up the donation.
Contact Driggins at (360) BIRDMAN, donate at www.nwbirdrescue.com, or send monetary donations to Northwest Bird Rescue, 13215 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Suite C-8 P.M.B. # 101, Vancouver, WA 98684.
