Gilly Jackson Bird Rescue, Rehabilitation and Recovery

Gilly is Russell's very own bird whisperer taking in on average 100-150 birds a year in the 12 years she has been rescuing. She holds a Wildlife Act authorisation (permit) from DOC to catch, handle, transfer or hold in captivity any native wildlife for rehabilitation and release.

Gilly works with Natalie at the Village Vets in Paihia when the birds need veterinary care. Natalie helps with much of the financial cost for treatment however, most of the ongoing costs Gilly pays for herself on her and her long-suffering husbands Eldon's pension. Although Gilly has not minded doing this for many years now it shouldn’t really have to be this way and I and many other people in the community have wanted to help for some time, so I have set up this Givealittle Page to let us help Gilly help the birds.

Gilly has more bird rehabilitation stories than we could ever go into here, but some stand out in memory including Ruru’s with happy endings, Ruru’s with sad endings but having known love and protection in their final days. Tui’s and Little Blue Penguins have also featured along with Quail’s full of character and who could forget the duck stories! There have also been Starlings and Sparrows by the nest full, Rosella’s, Kereru, Kingfishers and a few Magpies too boot. Gilly believes everything deserves a chance in life and can often be found with numerous birds ensconced in her now infamous Red Dressing Gown up until the wee hours of the morning. She truly is one in a million and a much loved and respected member of the Bay of Islands community.