Some of the hundreds of birds rescued from Shamrock Island were taken to the Wings Rescue Center in Rockport for long term care. Now, they’re going back home.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Several birds injured during last month’s devastating hailstorm in the Coastal Bend are getting a second chance, thanks to weeks of rehabilitation and the combined efforts of local wildlife organizations. 

RELATED: Injured bird count rises to 350 after devastating hailstorm across the Coastal Bend

The hailstorm that struck the region in early November caused widespread property damage and left hundreds of birds injured, many suffering from wing fractures, head trauma and eye injuries. Many of those birds were rescued from Shamrock Island and taken to the Wings Rescue Center in Rockport for long term care.

The center released nine fully recovered pelicans back into their natural habitat, marking a major milestone in their recovery journey.

“We’ve never gotten this many at the same time,” said Kay Adams, founder of the Wings Rescue Center.

Adams started the nonprofit nearly a decade ago after the death of her close friend Tony Amos, who created the Amos Rehabilitation Keep. She said the center now serves as a critical wildlife rehabilitation resource for much of the Coastal Bend.

“Beeville, Port Lavaca, Victoria, none of those places have anything,” Adams said. “So when Tony asked me to start this, everything on this side of the bay became our responsibility.”

The release process required volunteers to carefully capture the pelicans, place them into transport crates and then drive and take the ferry back to the island. Once there, the birds were tagged with help from staff from the ARK before being released.

Volunteer Amy Benkowski said her time at the center has given her purpose. 

“Broken legs, skull fractures, eye injuries, multiple wing injuries, some of these we weren’t sure would heal,” Benkowski said. “And here it is six weeks later, and they’re doing fabulous.”

Adams said moments like this one are the most rewarding part of their work.

“This is how we get paid,” she said. “We don’t get paid at the center, but we get paid doing this. That’s what it’s all about.”

The Wings Rescue Center has operated for nearly 10 years and relies entirely on donations and volunteers. Adams said several other birds are still recovering and the organization is asking for continued community support to help care for injured wildlife across the Coastal Bend. More information is available on their website.