Hummingbirds flying into garages is a common occurrence, especially during spring and fall migration seasons when hummingbirds are more active and on the move. While having a hummingbird visitor may seem novel at first, they can be difficult to get back out of the garage once inside. Trapped hummingbirds may injure themselves or become exhausted from repeatedly flying into windows or walls in an attempt to escape. Therefore, it’s important to know the best techniques for safely capturing and releasing a hummingbird that has become stuck in a garage.
The most effective methods rely on strategic setup and planning ahead of time. Being prepared with the right equipment and creating an environment that guides the hummingbird toward the open garage door are key. It also helps to have knowledge of hummingbird behavior so their natural inclinations can be used to your advantage. With some simple tricks and a calm demeanor, you can successfully shoo a lost hummingbird out of the garage without harming it or further distressing it.
Prepare the Garage
When a hummingbird gets trapped in the garage, time is of the essence for getting it back out before it becomes exhausted. Having your garage set up ahead of time for easy hummingbird extraction will make the process smoother. Here are some tips for preparation:
– Make sure the path to the open garage door is clear. Move any obstructions like tools, boxes, or furniture out of the way and clear a path straight to the door. The easier you make it for the bird to escape, the quicker it will find its way out.
– Eliminate hiding spots. Hummingbirds may try to hide under parked cars, shelves, or other clutter when panicked. Remove or reorganize items so there are fewer places for it to conceal itself. The more exposed the space is, the easier you’ll be able to keep an eye on the bird.
– Turn off ceiling fans and garage door openers. These moving objects can injure or further disorient an already confused hummingbird, so make sure they are switched off.
– Let in natural light but block open doorways. Open the main garage door as well as any windows to let in daylight. The light will help guide the hummingbird toward escape. However, block open doors leading into the house so it doesn’t end up trapped inside.
Have Essentials Ready
Gather any tools and supplies you may need ahead of time so you can act swiftly once the hummingbird is inside the garage. Here are some essentials:
– A clean handheld mirror. This can be used to trick the hummingbird into thinking an escape route exists wherever you shine the mirror.
– A mister bottle or spray hose. A very light mist from a spray bottle or hose nozzle can help encourage the hummingbird toward the exit when aimed in that direction.
– A lightweight towel. If needed, a towel can be gently tossed over the hummingbird to capture it without harm before release.
– Nectar feeder. Have a clean nectar feeder ready to revive the hummingbird if it seems tired or weak once captured. Use a 1:4 ratio of sugar dissolved in warm water.
– Step ladder or stool. This allows you to reach the hummingbird if it flies up toward the rafters. A pole with a soft attachment at the end also works.
– Patience and calm demeanor. Moving slowly and speaking calmly will help ease any stress for the bird during the process.
Capture Techniques
Once a hummingbird finds its way into the garage, tried and true techniques can help guide it back out to freedom. Here are some of the most effective capture methods:
Funneling
One of the simplest approaches is to funnel the hummingbird toward the open garage door by moving slowly on each side of the bird to direct it toward the opening. Here are some tips:
– Avoid direct pursuit which may panic the bird. Instead, position yourself to each side and gently shuffle along to shepherd it outward.
– Move steadily in a calm, quiet manner to avoid startling the hummingbird. Sudden movements or loud noises may scare it into darting upward or hiding.
– You may need two people, one on each side, to guide the bird along if the space allows it. Coordinate your movements.
– Be patient. The hummingbird will likely make multiple laps around the garage interior before finding the exit. Don’t give up.
Bird Net
For a more hands-on approach, a lightweight net with a soft hoop can be used to capture the hummingbird directly. Here are some net tips:
– Use a net designed specifically for catching birds to avoid injury. The hoop edges should be cushioned and netting super fine.
– Get into position below the hummingbird and gently toss or lift the net over it in one quick movement before it can escape.
– Once caught, keep the net still so the bird doesn’t thrash around and hurt itself. Don’t leave it in the net any longer than necessary.
– Transport the net carefully to the door, then open the net facing the outdoors. The hummingbird should readily fly out toward light and freedom.
Trapping Box
A specialized box trap can also be used to catch the hummingbird. This method takes more preparation but may be less stressful on the bird. Here’s how to trap with a box:
– Obtain a lightweight box or cage designed for trapping birds or insects, available at many pet supply stores.
– Bait the trap with a nectar feeder or fresh flowers to attract the hummingbird inside.
– Set the baited trap on a high shelf or rafters and wait for the hummingbird to enter. Be patient.
– Once the hummingbird goes inside, carefully close the door or openings so it is confined within the box.
– Keep the box still and quiet as you transport the hummingbird to the exit.
– At the open garage door, simply open the box and allow the hummingbird to fly off.
Revival Methods
If the hummingbird seems weak or distressed even after capture, it may need some revival before it can be released. Here are some tips:
Nectar Feeder
Letting the hummingbird drink some nectar can help restore its energy and hydration. Follow this process:
– Mix up a batch of nourishing nectar using 1 part white sugar to 4 parts warm water. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
– Carefully pour the nectar into a designated hummingbird feeder. Only fill halfway.
– Once caught, hold the hummingbird close to the feeder spout. It should readily sip the nectar.
– Allow the hummingbird to drink its fill. This may take several minutes. Don’t rush the process.
– When it seems satisfied and alert, you can release the hummingbird outdoors.
Misting
In some cases, misting the hummingbird with a light spray of lukewarm water can help revive it. Here are some tips:
– Only use this method if the hummingbird seems near heat exhaustion. Indications include gaping mouth and rapid breathing.
– Make sure the water is room temperature. Cold water could shock the hummingbird’s system.
– Use a spray bottle on the lightest mist setting and spray up into the air so a gentle rainfall effect douses the bird.
– Avoid getting water near the hummingbird’s eyes or directly in its face. Focus on the body.
– Mist for 2-3 minutes while allowing the hummingbird to rest and recover.
Resting Period
If the hummingbird doesn’t seem to need nectar or misting, a simple resting period may be all that’s required. Here are some tips:
– Gently place the hummingbird in a ventilated box lined with a towel or inside a paper bag folded over. Keep it somewhere quiet and dark.
– Leave the hummingbird undisturbed for 20-30 minutes so it can relax away from any activity and sounds.
– After the resting period, check if the hummingbird appears refreshed and alert. If so, release it outside.
– If it still seems weak or disoriented, take it to a wildlife rehabilitation center for professional care.
Prevention Tips
While dealing with a trapped hummingbird can be stressful, there are some ways to help prevent it from happening in the first place:
– Keep the garage door closed, especially when entering or exiting the garage. Hummingbirds are small enough to zoom inside before you even notice.
– Install screens or netting on any openings that could allow a hummingbird access, like open windows or vents.
– Use exterior hummingbird feeders positioned far away from the garage to discourage them from exploring doorways.
– Wind chimes and reflective tape near the garage may deter hummingbirds from approaching. They dislike reflective surfaces.
– Avoid planting colorful flowers right next to the garage, as they can attract hummingbirds closer to the building.
When to Seek Help
In most cases, hummingbirds trapped in garages can be released unassisted using these methods. However, if the bird seems severely exhausted or injured, don’t hesitate to contact a wildlife rehabilitation organization right away. Signs that require professional help include:
– The hummingbird isn’t able to stand, hold its head up, or grip onto a perch.
– There is noticeable bleeding or trauma to the body, wings, or beak.
– The hummingbird remains still and non-responsive after capture and revival efforts.
– Capturing the hummingbird isn’t possible due to a very high ceiling or inability to corner the bird.
– The hummingbird has been trapped for over 4 hours with no food or water source.
When in doubt, seek out qualified wildlife rehabilitators to assess and care for the hummingbird. With their specialized facilities and training, they are best equipped to nurse severely distressed hummingbirds back to full health before release.
Conclusion
Having a hummingbird fly into your garage can certainly be a startling experience, but there are some reliable techniques for guiding the misdirected little bird back outdoors unharmed. With the right preparation and setup, a calm demeanor, and some strategic herding maneuvers, you can successfully shoo a hummingbird out of the garage without further stressing the delicate creature or causing injury. Knowing revival methods involving nectar, misting, and rest can also help revive a fatigued bird for safe release. And taking preventative measures will help avoid a trapped hummingbird situation altogether. With this know-how, you can feel confident handling a garage hummingbird dilemma humanely anytime one happens to fly in. The key is staying calm and acting carefully in the best interest of the bird. Before you know it, the little hummingbird will be on its way, rewarding you with the satisfaction of supporting our precious local wildlife.
