Hi, I’m Richard Aston, founder and president of Rockbird Refuge, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit bird rescue and sanctuary in southern Maine.
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What began with a love for pigeons has grown into a refuge dedicated to giving birds in need a safe, permanent place to heal, thrive, and call home. At Rockbird Refuge, we believe every bird deserves compassion, proper care, and a life in which they are safe and valued.
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A Sanctuary First
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At our heart, Rockbird Refuge is a pigeon sanctuary. Most of the pigeons who come into our care become permanent residents and are given a home where they can live out their lives in peace.
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Occasionally, we may have birds available for adoption. These will most often be non-pigeon companion birds or pigeons who are especially well suited to life as a house bird. Some pigeons are deeply bonded to people and thrive with the individual attention and companionship that a dedicated home can provide. Because our time and resources must be divided among many birds, we believe finding the right adoptive home can sometimes be the best choice for those individuals.
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More Than Pigeons
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While pigeons are the heart of Rockbird Refuge, we also provide sanctuary to other domestic and companion birds when they have nowhere else to go.
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Our residents currently include pigeons, green-cheeked conures, Bourke’s parakeets, canaries, cockatiels, geese, ducks, and chickens. Each bird who comes through our doors is treated as an individual, with their own personality, needs, and story.
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A Note About Wildlife
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Rockbird Refuge is not a licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility, so we cannot accept native or migratory wild birds. These birds require specialized care and, by law, should be handled by a properly licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
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If you’ve found an injured or orphaned wild bird—or need help with a bird we’re unable to accept—please visit our Links page. There you’ll find some wonderful local organizations and rehabilitators who may be able to help.
Thank you for caring enough to help a bird in need.