Simon Lab at the 2026 “Flocktail” Party Supporting the Wild Bird Fund
Earlier this month, Dr. Simon and Associate Researcher Andrew Boylan had the privilege of attending the annual Flocktail Party, a fundraising event hosted by the Wild Bird Fund (WBF). Directed by Rita McMahon, the WBF does incredible work rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife in New York City with a dedicated team of veterinarians, rehabilitators, and volunteers.
In the Simon Lab, we visit the WBF every week to collect samples from our environmental monitor “Big Bird”, screening for avian influenza and other airborne viruses. Visiting the clinic, seeing the patients, and talking to the volunteers and staff is a highlight each week, and the Flocktail Party was an opportunity to connect with the team and talk about continuing our surveillance efforts at the upcoming WBF Brooklyn clinic. The funds raised at the 2026 Flocktail Party will be put towards costs for the Brooklyn location, which, when completed, will have outdoor aviaries, a baby bird nursery, a zoned ventilation system to prevent transmission of pathogens between species, and more!
Please support them if you can and feel free to reach out to us with any questions!
https://www.wildbirdfund.org/how-to-help/brooklyn-capital-campaign
