Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation
Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation is a Sarnia-Lambton non-profit dedicated to rescuing, medically treating, rehabilitating, and releasing injured birds of prey, as well as loons, herons, and other waterfowl. The centre coordinates emergency rescues and transport, works with veterinarians and partner facilities, and relies on volunteers and community donations to support feeding, care, and facility needs. It also provides public education through ambassador birds and community events to raise awareness about threats to local birds and promote wildlife-safe practices.
🕰️ Organization Hours:
Last updated on Feb 8th, 2026
Recent Activity
Wildlife rescue and veterinary surgeries highlight
The Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation posted a highlight on June 23, 2026, about a recent wildlife rescue and the surgical work carried out by National Wildlife Centre Canada veterinarians. The brief update spotlights clinical care and collaboration between rehabilitation and wildlife veterinary teams.
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Warning: sticky traps unsafe for wildlife
The Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation warns against using sticky traps and fly strips because they pose a danger to wildlife. The advisory, published on 2026-06-21, urges people to choose safer alternatives and to contact the centre if they find entangled animals.
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Nestling Merlin Falcon intake
Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation admitted a nestling Merlin Falcon on 2026-06-21 after it fell from a pine tree. The team will try to renest the chick with its parents or place it with a non releasable foster Merlin, while using special housing and feeding precautions overseen by Lynn and Dagmar.
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Fishing gear harms to waterfowl
The Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation warns that lead sinkers and discarded fishing line are killing waterfowl, with staff receiving numerous calls daily about tangled and poisoned birds. The center urges anglers to fish responsibly and switch to bismuth sinkers, and to secure or dispose of hooks and line so they do not harm wildlife.
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Baby bird inquiries and advice
The Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation reports many calls about baby birds on June 21, 2026, and can provide advice to people who find fledglings or nestlings. Note that the centre does not accept song birds for intake but is available to guide you on what to do next.
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Freezer donation for raptor food storage
The Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation announced a $1,200.00 donation from the Rotary Club of Sarnia to buy a new freezer for raptor food storage. The centre stores chickens, mice, rats, fish, and occasional road kill, and the new freezer will replace an old unit whose lid no longer seals.
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Donations and volunteer support update
Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation shared a thank-you update on 2026-06-19 noting supply donations from the National Wildlife Rehabilitation Foundation and Pets and Wildlife Services in Chatham, and that volunteer Deb Chapman picked up supplies from NWRF in Waterloo. The short message, signed by Lynn Eves, recognizes both organizational donors and individual volunteer effort.
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50/50 draw
The National Wildlife Centre Canada is running a 50/50 draw to raise funds for rescuing and caring for injured wildlife coming from the Bluewater Centre For Raptor Rehabilitation and other Ontario rehabilitation centres. Proceeds support transport and care for animals brought in by rehabilitation partners and members of the public.
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Window collision awareness post
The Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation posted on 2026-05-28 urging continued public attention to window collisions to help save bird and raptor lives. The short awareness post encourages simple, practical steps and community sharing to reduce collisions and support rescue efforts.
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Wildlife injured or killed by human hazards
The Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation posted on 2026-05-28 about the recurring problem of wildlife being injured or killed by human hazards, noting the emotional toll on rehabilitators. The short message calls attention to an ongoing conservation and safety issue in local environments.
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Sharing rehabilitation centres' educational information
The Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation urges sharing educational resources from rehabilitation centres to inform the public about hazards to wildlife caused by humans. This brief, personal appeal is focused on amplifying outreach so communities learn how to reduce risks to local wildlife.
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Rescue and treatment update for oiled Canada Goose
Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation confirmed an oiled Canada Goose rescued in Petrolia on 2026-05-12 is in guarded condition with dehydration and starvation. A team of three Goosebusters and neighbour Josh Leblanc captured the bird, staff will stabilize her with fluids, antibiotics, and liquid nutrition before beginning washing in a day or 2.
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Appeal to help injured birds after collisions
The Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation issued an appeal about bird collisions, reporting cases where collisions kill birds or leave them with spinal fractures or temporary brain trauma. The note emphasizes that injured birds on the ground become vulnerable to cats and other predators and asks the community to help.
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Locate and capture badly oiled goose
The Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation is asking Petrolia residents to look for a badly oiled goose last seen on Ernest Street near Kell and in back yards along Kell Street bordering a vacant field. The bird cannot fly, is dehydrated and chemically injured, and volunteers with nets and blankets may be needed to help recover it.
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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.
