Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation
Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation is a Sarnia-Lambton nonprofit that rescues, medically treats, rehabilitates, and releases injured birds of prey, loons, herons, swans, and other waterfowl. The centre coordinates emergency rescues and volunteer transport, provides public education using ambassador birds, and relies on volunteers and community donations to support feeding, care, transport, and facility needs.
ð°ïļ Organization Hours:
Last updated on Feb 8th, 2026
Recent Activity
World Migratory Bird Day at Canatara Park
Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation marked World Migratory Bird Day at Canatara Park on 2026-05-09 with guided walks, educational displays, and live raptor presentations. Partner groups Bird Friendly City Sarnia, Nature Canada, and Lambton Wildlife joined volunteers to offer family friendly activities, photo opportunities with a Regal Eagle, and up close learning about local migratory routes.
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Rehabilitation outcomes for waterfowl and raptors
On 2026-05-05 the Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation shared a candid update about rehabilitation outcomes for waterfowl and raptors, naming cormorants, seagulls, and a recent Horned Grebe case. The short post highlights the challenging realities rehabilitation teams face when caring for these aquatic and coastal birds.
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Thank-you note to supporter
On 2026-05-05 the Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation posted a short thank you to a supporter named Vicki, calling her generous and expressing appreciation. The message is a direct, personal acknowledgment from the organization to a named supporter.
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Horned Grebe rescue and rehabilitation update
Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation reports a Horned Grebe rescued from the St. Clair River was X rayed, had a fishing hook removed after regurgitation, was placed on antibiotics, and was released in Lake Erie. Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge assisted by taking the bird in for care and diagnostics. This update was published on 2026-05-04.
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Long-distance driver needed for injured Broad-winged Hawk transport
Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation urgently needs a long distance driver on Wednesday morning, May 6 2026, to take an injured Broad Winged Hawk with a humural fracture to the National Wildlife Centre Canada in Caledon for possible surgery. Lakeshore Veterinary Clinic has provided initial care, and volunteers should message Lynn to offer assistance and arrange pickup.
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Raptor rehabilitation outreach visit
The Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation visited the 39th Sarnia Guides troupe on May 1, 2026, bringing ambassador Nico the American Kestrel and a slideshow about birds in care. The visit included a hands on owl pellet investigation and photo moments with guide leaders and participants, offering an up close educational experience for the girl guides.
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Urgent transport request for Horned Grebe
Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation requested an urgent same day transport on 2026-04-19 to move a Horned Grebe from Wyoming to Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge, an approximately 2.5 hour drive for emergency care. The post was updated to say a driver has come forward and the organization thanked everyone who responded.
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Grebe rescue and transport update
A grebe entangled in fishing line was rescued about 25 ft off shore by Front Street and Maxwell on the St. Clair River, with Aaron Levy and boater Louis Gough retrieving the bird. Volunteer Craig Potter is transporting the grebe to the Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation for injury checks and removal of fishing line; the update was published by BCRR on 2026-04-19.
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Duck rescue assistance request
The Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation urgently seeks a volunteer with a boat to rescue a small duck caught on fishing line about 25 feet off shore at Front and Maxwell street. The organization asks for immediate help to untangle the line and bring the bird to shore, please reply to the original post if you can assist.
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annual maple festival
The annual maple festival at AW Cambell Conservation area on March 21, 2026 drew over 500 people for pancakes and real maple syrup, hosted by the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority. The Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation attended with volunteers and brought Nico, an American Kestrel education ambassador, as part of the community activities.
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Raptor flight short video update
On 2026-03-09 the Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation shared a short, candid video filmed from a distance of a raptor taking flight, noting they missed the finale when they turned their backs. This informal update offers a quick behind the scenes glimpse for the general public.
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Swan rescue and release announcement
Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation announced that a female Mute Swan rescued one month earlier by Haley Phenix has been released onto the St. Clair River after regaining ideal weight. The centre shared a video of her preening and swimming and thanked donors for supplying needed care items.
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Email Verification Reminder After Signing Petition
The Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation asks petition signers to check their email to verify their signature, noting the petition is easy to sign and does not require an actual signature. The brief message also asks supporters to share the petition to help boost its reach.
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Red Breasted Merganser rehabilitation update
Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation treated a thin Red Breasted Merganser found in Point Edward with eye care, hand feeding, and supervised swims, and after 13 days in care the bird was released back to the St Clair River. The update credits finders Bill Barwise and Linda Haney, a complete eye exam by Dr Taylor at Lakeshore Veterinary Clinic, and consultations with wildlife rehab experts from National Wildlife Centre Canada and Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge.
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Wildlife rescue public awareness notice
The Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation warns that the internet is not the right place to seek wildlife help and urges people who find animals to contact licensed rehabilitators. Use the exact search phrase "ONTARIO WILDIFE RESCUE" to locate a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area for professional assistance.
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Eagle rescue and transfer update
Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation reported a promising update on 2026-02-14: an eagle from Dresdan that was stuck in a tree was rescued with help from BCRR volunteers and arborist Chris Verall, then transferred to Erica Dimuzio at an Avian Rehabilitation Clinic for continued treatment. The note underscores coordinated volunteer and professional care during the bird's rescue and follow up.
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Mute Swan care wish list
Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation is caring for an underweight Mute Swan rescued from a horse farm by Hailey at Misty Run Equestrian, and is asking for xlarge puppy pads and large garbage bags. The centre notes "(We order 100 xlarge pads from Amazon) approx $50.00" and that they "go through 2-3 large garbage bags/ day," with items accepted at the Official Sarnia & District Humane Society. If you can spare pads or heavy duty garbage bags this week those supplies will directly support the swan's recovery.
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Successful Raptor Rescue
The Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation posted a mission update about a successful raptor tree rescue on 2026-02-12, naming arborist Chris Verall and noting supervision on the ground. The brief report highlights the center's emergency response capability and teamwork, and it does not include donation or volunteer details.
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Eagle rescue in Dresden
On February 11 2026 the Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation coordinated an eagle rescue in Dresden after Morgan found the bird and contacted BCRR. Erica Dimuzio took the eagle in for treatment with support from arborist Chris Averalls and volunteer Mark Heinle; Erica is partnered with Raptors in Lambton County and holds an MNRF Authority licence for Birds of Prey.
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Chris's birthday video resend
Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation resent a short video reel capturing Chris's birthday, including touching moments of his children watching him while wearing headlamps. The clip was resent because two videos could not be combined, and it conveys an intimate celebratory scene described as Chris's best birthday ever.
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Eagle rescue update
Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation reported a tense but successful eagle rescue after a dog walker named Morgan spotted the bird near dusk. Arborist Chris Verall climbed and carefully retrieved the eagle, the rescue was celebrated on the ground, and the center confirmed there was no fishing line involved.
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Eagle Rescue Update
On 2026-02-12 the Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation posted on Facebook that the eagle has been rescued by arborist Chris Verill and thanked community helpers. The organization said it will share more details in a follow up status update.
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Emergency eagle rescue
The Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation urgently requests an arborist or a fire department with a boom to help retrieve an eagle about 20 ft up a tree in the Dresdan area, posted on 2026-02-11. Trained professionals or agencies with suitable equipment are asked to message the poster immediately to coordinate the rescue.
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Raptor rescue alert during extreme winter weather
The Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation warns that heavy snow and prolonged cold are leaving small raptors, especially Eastern Screech Owls, unable to hunt or find shelter and sometimes trapped in buildings. If a raptor does not fly away or seems weak, gently wrap it, cover its head, move it somewhere warm, and call 519-466-2443 or 226-349-2443 for assistance.
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Feeding Program Volunteer Recruitment
The Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation is seeking volunteers for their feeding program, requiring a commitment of one day a week for 3-4 hours.
