Volunteer of the Year: Lisa Siegel

Article from “The Mickaboo Bird Rescue Companion”
Published January, 2026

Woman with cockatiels on her arm By the Editor

Mickaboo is a totally volunteer-run organization and as such, its volunteers are its life blood. Lisa Siegel is our volunteer coordinator; Mickaboo has benefitted from her organizational skills and ability to connect potential volunteers' capabilities with Mickaboo's needs. Let's learn about her Mickaboo journey, in her words.

In 2006 I didn't realize adopting birds was possible. I got my two cockatiels from a bad breeding situation, and when I brought them to the avian veterinarian for their first exam, I noticed brochures about Mickaboo on the counter. I picked one up and learned about the organization. After reading about the work they were doing for birds in need, I began supporting them through donations.

In 2019, when my beloved cockatiel Coco died, her flockmate Martine was devastated. I knew he needed another cockatiel companion, so that's when I turned to Mickaboo and went through the approval process to adopt a tiel. Teemu has been with us for 6 years and is a wonderful buddy for Martine. After adopting Teemu, I thought about becoming a volunteer at some point in the future.

My main role is volunteer coordinator, which involves guiding people interested in general volunteering through the onboarding process. This includes explaining our prerequisites, learning about their skills, interests, and availability, helping them find a role that fits well, and connecting them with the appropriate volunteer or team for training and ongoing support.

What I enjoy most is matching people with tasks where they will thrive. I have always loved connecting people, and in my personal life I often introduce friends or colleagues who share interests or career goals. I find it rewarding to help volunteers find the right fit within Mickaboo, especially when I see all the good work they are doing for birds in need.

Some of my most memorable moments are seeing volunteers I helped onboard go on to make a big impact, whether by joining a species team, participating in a rescue effort, transporting birds, or helping in other essential ways. It is inspiring to watch them flourish and to know I played a tiny part in helping them get involved. Seeing their efforts in action is a reminder of the important work Mickaboo does to help birds in need.

I used to think I’d need to retire to volunteer, but I’ve learned that any amount of time can have an impact. No matter how much or little time you have to contribute, there is a role [at Mickaboo] with the flexibility to fit your schedule. Even if you can’t foster birds (like me due to my housing situation), there are many additional ways to contribute.

What I love most is being part of a community of like-minded bird people. There’s so much to learn from everyone’s experiences, and it’s incredibly satisfying to be part of a purposeful cause where your contributions help birds in need. Volunteering with Mickaboo is a way to make a meaningful impact while connecting with people who share your love of birds.

[Editor's note: learn more about volunteering, and contact us about doing so, here! ]

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Volunteer of the Year: Lisa Siegel