Minsk resident rescues dozens of birds in her apartment

Photos here and further: "Minskaya Prauda"

"Five years ago, my child found a swift that was unable to fly on its own. We didn't even think then that this would be the beginning of an entire story: at first, we just tried to nurse it back to health and release it, and only later did I realize that I could and wanted to help such birds. I decided to take in a few more swifts for permanent care, because some of them are simply unable to return to nature due to injuries or improper care. Since then, new birds have appeared – one after another," the woman tells "Minskaya Prauda".

Павялічыць

Yulia helps not only adult birds. In season, orphaned chicks pass through her home, which she feeds and then releases back into nature.

"Very often, birds come to me after collisions with windows or cars – with craniocerebral injuries, after bites from cats and dogs, during illnesses, after traps, and other situations in which they can no longer survive on their own. And it's important to understand: if a wild bird willingly approaches a person – it's not a "tame" bird, which means it's unwell and needs help. In such cases, it's best to contact specialists as soon as possible or at least clarify how to do it correctly."

Various birds live in the Minsk resident's three-room apartment: swifts, tits, hawfinches, bullfinches, robins, woodpeckers. Some of the birds are in tents and special boxes, others are on the balcony.

Павялічыць

"One tit had cancer. We removed the tumor, and now she lives with us. I can't just give her to someone else, because without regular tests and monitoring, she won't survive. Other birds that have sustained serious injuries or have chronic illnesses also remain under my care, as they simply won't survive without constant attention. Caring for birds requires a lot of time and effort. During the season, I practically don't sleep: I wake up at 6 AM, feed the birds, go to sleep, wake up again an hour later – and so on, day after day."

Among the feathered residents is a woodpecker named Dasha. The bird is blind because a bullet hit her eye. One eye was completely removed, and the other cannot see.

Павялічыць

Winter birds, such as bullfinches, turned out to be far from the quietest neighbors.

"I've had a pair of bullfinches living with me for three years, and during that time, I've thoroughly learned their habits. Over time, the female became very territorial and began actively attacking other bullfinches. As a result, I had to urgently separate the birds and completely re-evaluate the keeping system, as otherwise, it could have led to injuries and constant stress."

Павялічыць

In addition to birds, Yulia sometimes hosts bats.

"In winter, bats come to me, and almost always, these are exhausted or injured animals that can no longer survive on their own. First, I try to stabilize and feed them. If the case is complex, I send them to Moscow, where there are bat specialists."

Павялічыць

The recovery process requires unusual living conditions.

"They hibernate in my refrigerator, and I periodically check their weight and feed them, because otherwise, they simply won't survive," Yulia shares.

Yulia explains why she dedicates so much effort to birds.

"Every case of recovery, when a bird gradually comes to its senses, starts eating, moving, and eventually returns to nature or simply lives peacefully under my care, gives a sense of meaning and inner balance. In such moments, I understand that all this is not in vain, and the trust of these creatures is a very subtle form of connection between humans and nature."

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