Humble Beginnings
While Freckle’s Fellowship was only established as an official organization in 2024, my work began over five years prior. A small personal project quietly helping local pigeons in Melbourne quickly grew into something much bigger: the first registered non-profit dedicated pigeon rescue and sanctuary in Australia. Over the years, Freckle’s Fellowship has rescued and rehabilitated hundreds of birds. In 2024 alone, we rescued more than 230 pigeons: vulnerable fledglings, adults suffering from injuries and illness, surrenders and everything in between.
Some of these birds have been adopted, while others for whom rehoming or release is not possible live out their lives safely in our sanctuary.
Freckle and Ghost – The Birds who Started it All
The heart of our work at Freckle’s Fellowship can be traced back to two pigeons: Freckle and Ghost.
Freckle and his girlfriend Ghost were the first pigeons I ever rescued. At the time, I didn’t know much about pigeons. But when I received these birds from a fellow rescuer, I knew I wasn’t going to look the other way! Freckle and Ghost were the best two pigeons I could have asked for. They were my introduction to the world of pigeon intensive care when they contracted PMV (paramyxovirus). They taught me how to care for pigeons–and showed me that pigeons can be great companions.
Freckle and Ghost never left. They stayed in the sanctuary, becoming Freckle’s Fellowship’s first ambassador birds. Freckle especially traveled with me everywhere. What was once a quiet act of compassion for two pigeons ultimately became my mission: to help as many injured and helpless pigeons as possible.
When Freckle passed away late September of 2024, I was gutted. I wasn’t sure whether she could continue pursuing the rescue mission after losing my soul bird. But then, I remembered all of the other Freckles out there, pigeons just like him, with no one to help them and nowhere safe to go. I knew she had to continue rescuing. To uphold Freckle’s legacy, I proudly entrusted the rescue with his name.
Since Freckle’s passing, the rescue has grown, bird by bird, each with their own stories and struggles. Freckle’s Fellowship has patched up broken bones, treated parasites, hand-reared babies, and gently cradled birds in their final moments. I have spent my nights worrying over birds, and my days making sure each pigeon in our care is happy and has a place to sleep.
I hope I can inspire others to recognise the beauty of these charming birds, and advocate for our voiceless feathered friends.
— Molly, President
Our Rescue Shelter and Sanctuary
Freckle’s Fellowship has a keen focus on caring for elderly, special needs, and critical case birds. We believe that these are the birds most at risk of being overlooked or euthanized due to the time, resources, or commitment required to nurse them fully back to health.
We tailor our care to each individual and prioritise our intake slots to those birds. At Freckle’s Fellowship they are sure to find the love, rehab, and veterinary care that they need to come out the other side.
