Although seabirds are common along coastlines and in a variety of habitats, they do not commonly enter into care. When they do, they are often in serious state of injury or debilitation. It is in this group of animals that carers may actually see the yearly dynamic forces of nature upon a population, such as the annual shearwater migration of 2 billion birds, of which a small fraction end up on the shores of the eastern seaboard in starvation and near death.

Water-birds that commonly enter into care are orphaned Pacific Black duck and Wood duck. It is less common for adult water-birds to enter into care, and when this occurs, they often have serious injuries.

This manual has over 100 colour pages with more than 120 images. The 2021 version is expanded with more conditions and more information on common species.