Ruffled Feathers

06/30/2025

Three faces. One mission. A legacy of care.
Every June 21st reminds us why we do this work. Through Magic's laughter, midnight coyote chases, smoosh-faced fawn rescues, and everything in between—we've been there.
We've embraced chaos, canine chases, goofy fawn vibes, and unwavering sanctuary dedication. These joyful, messy, and heartfelt memories are just a few chapters in our June 21 wildlife rescue history—a living record of compassion under the solstice sun.
This isn't just about one day or one rescue. It's about showing up, year after year, for every creature that needs a second chance.
Tomorrow we dive into the historical connections—did you know the Constitution was ratified on June 21st? History gets weird when you mix it with wildlife rescue. 🏛️
What legacy are you building, one day at a time? Tell us in the comments! 🌟

06/30/2025

Real talk: June 21st, 2023 was rough. Rain pouring down, my back screaming in a brace, and guess what shows up? Another smoosh-faced fawn needing help.
Most people would've said "not today." But here's the thing about sanctuary life—the animals don't check your calendar or your pain levels before they need rescuing.
So there I was, soaked to the bone, back killing me, cradling this tiny deer who just needed someone to care. And you know what? Worth every drop of rain and every ache.
That's the thing about this work—it's not glamorous. It's muddy boots, sleepless nights, and showing up even when your body says no. But those moments when you see them thrive? Pure magic.
Tomorrow we're talking about legacy—three faces, one mission, and why we keep showing up. 💕
Anyone else push through the tough days for something they love? Share your story below! 💪

06/28/2025

Back in a brace, pouring down rain... one of my favorites, I call them smoosh faces. The cutest of baby deer." –Brad
Can we talk about smoosh faces for a minute? Because these little deer have stolen our hearts across multiple June 21sts.
2022: First smoosh-faced fawn steals the show
2023: Rain pouring, Brad's back in a brace, but another smoosh face needs help
2024: Even drizzle can't stop these deer from being absolutely adorable
There's something about their tiny faces, those huge eyes, and the way they look at you like you're their whole world. Gets me every single time.
Tomorrow we're diving into the gritty reality of sanctuary work—spoiler: it involves rain, pain, and showing up anyway. 💪
What animal face melts your heart instantly? Drop a pic if you've got one! 🦌💕

06/27/2025

Picture this: It's past midnight, downtown Louisville is quiet, and suddenly—coyotes. Not one, not two, but a whole pack deciding the city streets look like home.
That was our June 21st, 2021. While most people were sleeping off solstice celebrations, we were out there with flashlights and determination, trying to convince some very confused coyotes that downtown isn't the best neighborhood for raising families.
"My life is out of control. Lol. But not nearly as chaotic as coyotes running through downtown." – Brad
Sometimes I wonder if the animals plan these midnight adventures just to keep us on our toes. Spoiler alert: they probably do. 🌙
Tomorrow we're talking about smoosh faces—and trust me, you're gonna want to see these little heartbreakers. 🦌
Ever had wildlife show up in the most unexpected places? Tell us your story! 👇

06/26/2025

My life is out of control. Lol. But not nearly as chaotic as coyotes running through downtown." – Brad
Let me paint you a picture of our June 21st tradition: controlled chaos with a side of absolute mayhem.
2020: Magic delivers his famous "tickle tickle tickle"
2021: Brad wrangles coyotes and strays in downtown Louisville

2022: Smoosh-faced fawn takes center stage
2023: Rain, back pain, and another smoosh-faced fawn
2024: Drizzle doesn't stop the deer show
2025: Wildlife proves chaos doesn't take vacations
Three faces. One mission. A legacy of beautiful, messy, heartfelt care. ❤️
Tomorrow we dive into that midnight coyote adventure that had me questioning my life choices... but in the best way possible. 😂
Anyone else's life feel like a wildlife rescue documentary? Drop your chaos stories below! 🎬

06/25/2025

At the summer solstice, daylight stretches longest—and so do the stories that connect us across centuries.
That's why we celebrate June 21 wildlife rescue history here at Ruffled Feathers. Every year, on the longest day, we pause to turn our eyes skyward. But for us, it's not just about sunlight—it's about lives: tiny, furred, feathered, fragile, and triumphant.
Over the years, we've documented everything from dewy-eyed fawns to parakeets mastering new words and hopeful rescues hustling through the bird house at midnight.
The solstice reminds us: even in our darkest moments, light returns. Just like every animal that walks through our doors. 🌅
Tomorrow we'll dive into the beautiful chaos that defines our June 21st tradition... spoiler alert: it involves coyotes in downtown Louisville. 😅
What's your favorite "longest day" memory? Share it below! 👇

06/24/2025

Magic being magic... saying 'tickle tickle tickle' and then laughing. I tickle his belly and then laugh so he's mimicking me." –Tara
You know what gets me every June 21st? It's not just the longest day of the year—it's Magic's infectious laughter echoing through the sanctuary. Back in 2020, this little feathered comedian figured out that "tickle tickle tickle" gets the best human reactions.
Smart bird. Smarter than most people I know. 😂
When Tara tickles his belly and he mimics her laugh... that's pure sanctuary magic right there. No scripts, no planning—just joy happening in real time.
What's your pet's funniest habit? Drop it in the comments! 👇

06/23/2025

I don't even know what to say and kind of don't want to say anything until I can say something worthy of such an icon. I lost a mentor, a friend, and one of my biggest heroes today. Kentucky has lost the biggest fighter it has ever had in it's corner. I feel like this video I love so much sums her up better than I can at the moment. She falls and gets right back up there again. That was her in a nutshell as I have been coming and going from there since before I was 18 years old. She loved her flowers and plants as well. She didn't just save animals either but she also saved so so many people. Believing in them and giving second and even third chances at times when no others would. Long ago she told me she believed in me. Sometimes you only need to hear something like that from someone like her to set you on a different path in life. She will truly be missed by all and I don't know that any 100 of us could ever fill those shoes. It's with great sadness that I say we lost Mary Ann Tobin a Kentucky Icon today. There will never be another like her.

One worker at Broadbent Wildlife Sanctuary in central Kentucky makes a great catch after another falls off a ladder while releasing a bald eagle into the wil...

06/17/2025

🦆 BIRDS OF THE WORLD: SOUTH AMERICA
Meet the Black-headed Duck - South America's most notorious parent! This "freeloading floof" has mastered the ultimate parenting hack: zero parenting. 😂
While other ducks build nests and raise babies, these sneaky marsh dwellers drop their eggs in OTHER birds' nests and peace out. No bedtime stories, no diaper changes, not even a courtesy honk goodbye!
Think your neighbors are freeloaders? Wait until you meet nature's ultimate moocher! 🥚
Read the full "Quackhead of Covert Operations" story ➡️
https://wp.me/pgiY0E-3L0

06/16/2025

🍰 On May 6, 2022, something magical happened. Not a world-changing event that made headlines or broke records. Just Brad, finally getting to sit down and enjoy a piece of cake without any emergency calls interrupting.

And you know what? That moment was absolutely perfect. 💕

After years of 3 AM rescue calls, emergency transports, and putting everyone else's needs first, that quiet cake moment represented something beautiful – the idea that small joys matter just as much as big victories.

Every day at RFPS is filled with dramatic rescues, heartbreaking surrenders, and incredible rehabilitation success stories. But it's also filled with tiny moments that keep us going: a bird finally trusting enough to take a treat from your hand, a volunteer's laugh echoing through the sanctuary, the peaceful sound of contented chirping at sunset.

That piece of cake wasn't just dessert – it was a reminder that taking care of ourselves matters too. That celebrating small victories is just as important as tackling big challenges. That sometimes the most revolutionary act is simply pausing to appreciate what you have.

We've spent this week connecting historical moments to our daily lives here at the sanctuary. But the truth is, every ordinary day is making history too. Every act of kindness, every moment of connection, every small choice to show up for each other – it all matters.

So here's to the big moments and the small ones. To the rescue missions and the quiet cake breaks. To the headlines and the heartbeats. All of it is part of our story. 🏠✨

What small moment brought you joy this week? Share below – let's celebrate the little things together! 👇