With nowhere for them to go, ARRC Wildlife Trust has been wrapping its wings of support around hurt and orphaned birds in the Bay of Plenty for 20 years.

The charity is this month celebrating two decades of operation after vet Dr Liza Schneider founded the organisation in 2003.

Back then there was nowhere in our community to take small fledglings and non-native backyard birds, says ARRC chairperson Jody Beattie.

“Birds are injured or orphaned. We provide veterinary care and rehabilitation services to facilitate their return to the wild or they are humanely euthanised to prevent their suffering.”

These days ARRC Wildlife Trust helps more than 700 birds and other wildlife each year.

This means during the past 20 years, the charity has aided around 14,000 birds. Reflecting on 20 years of rescue and rehabilitation, Liza and Jody share some of their favourite memories of supporting wildlife.

Liza says “there’s always time for a shag”. “We love looking after all sorts of species including morepork, tūī, penguin, jersey, albatross and rare bitterns – but shags are real characters and a pleasure to work with.”

One of Jody’s favourite moments was seeing a bittern come into the centre. “I had never seen one before and it was such a magical bird. I always love the baby moreporks (Ruru) as they are just little balls of fluff with big eyes!”

The trust has been celebrating since Tuesday, with handmade bird treats made by local daycare children, bird-themed cupcakes, a colouring competition and raffles.

Jody and Liza are also excited about ARRC’s latest release in their children’s book series, all sharing true stories of the birds they rescue!

The Weekend Sun has a copy of ARRC Wildlfe Trust’s new book ‘Zigg and Zaggs Dotterel Dance’ for one lucky reader who can tell us how many birds the trust has aided during the past 20 years?

Enter online at: www.sunlive.co.nz under the competitions tab.

Entries must be received by Tuesday, October 31.