Finding a hummingbird stuck in your garage can be a startling yet magical experience. These tiny, delicate birds are a wonder to behold up close. However, being trapped in a garage is dangerous for a hummingbird. Their high metabolisms mean they need to eat frequently to maintain enough energy. So a stuck hummingbird must be set free as soon as possible. Follow these steps to safely rescue a hummingbird stuck in your garage and set it free.
Assess the situation
The first step is to assess why and how the hummingbird got stuck. Look for open doors or windows and any food sources that may have attracted it inside. Also check to see if the bird seems injured or weak. Knowing the details of how it got inside and its condition will help you plan the rescue.
Allow the bird to rest
Next, allow the hummingbird to rest. These birds expend a huge amount of energy just to hover while feeding. If the bird is not currently in immediate danger, let it rest for 30 minutes or more to regain its strength. You can provide a feeder full of nectar or sugar water near it as an energy boost. Just be patient and let the bird recuperate before attempting capture.
Set out feeders
While waiting, set out multiple feeders full of nectar (1 part sugar to 4 parts water) around your garage near doors and windows. The feeders may help lure the hummingbird out once it has regained energy. Bottles with small holes poked in the lids make easy feeders. Just make sure to use a nectar mix and not pure sugar which could harm the bird.
Turn off fans and close doors/windows
Ensure all ceiling fans, garage doors, windows and other openings are closed or turned off. This removes any drafts that could further exhaust the bird and prevents it from escaping before you can capture it. Just be sure the garage itself doesn’t get too hot with everything closed up.
Dim the lights
Hummingbirds feel comfortable in dim environments. Turn off any bright or harsh overhead lights that could stress the bird. Use a small flashlight to track its movements without illumination distress.
Have a box ready
Before attempting to capture, prepare a small box, paper bag or bird cage lined with a soft cloth to transport the hummingbird. Punch air holes if using a box or bag. Have this secured open and ready for quick placement of the bird once captured.
Wear garden gloves
For your own safety, wear thick gardening gloves when trying to capture the hummingbird. Their small beaks are needly sharp and can pierce skin. Gloves will protect your hands as you handle the stressed bird. Avoid using bare hands if possible.
Use a soft net or sheet to capture
Wait until the hummingbird seems rested, then gently try to guide it toward an open door or window using a soft net or sheet. Move slowly and avoid sudden motions that could further stress the bird. Once near an exit, slowly lower the net or sheet over it to capture it with as little contact as possible. Quickly transfer the captured bird to the transport box or bag.
Check for external injuries
Before releasing the hummingbird, very carefully check its body for any signs of external injuries. Look for ripped feathers, any cuts, swelling or abrasions on its feet or beak. If you find any external injuries, the bird may need rehabilitation. Contact a local wildlife center or rehabilitator for assistance.
Release the hummingbird outside
If no injuries are found, take the boxed hummingbird outside and open it near a bush, tree or other vegetation. Hummingbirds like cover when released so they feel secure. Gently tilt the box on its side and tap it lightly to encourage the bird to fly out on its own. Avoid grabbing and pulling it out which could cause further injury.
Watch it fly away
Stay nearby and watch the hummingbird for at least 10-15 minutes after release. Make sure that it is able to fly well and not showing signs of lingering weakness or injury. If the bird seems unable to fly normally, contact a wildlife rehabilitator right away. They can provide proper medical care if needed.
Discourage re-entry
Before leaving, walk around your garage and close any openings the hummingbird may have gotten through. Look for gaps around windows, doors, vents and other cracks. Use wire mesh, sealant or other materials to seal up access points so the bird can’t accidentally re-enter. Eliminating entrances helps prevent the same problem in the future.
Clean feeders thoroughly
Finally, clean out all nectar feeders with hot water and replace the nectar. Hummingbirds can spread diseases between feeders. So disinfect and refresh them to keep your feeders safely maintained for any future visitors. Enjoy your close encounter! With proper care and quick action, a stuck hummingbird can be rescued and released to thrive again in the wild.
Preventing Hummingbirds From Getting Stuck in Your Garage
While rescuing a trapped hummingbird is important, prevention is ideal. Use these tips to deter hummingbirds from accidentally entering your garage in the first place:
Keep doors and windows closed
The easiest way to prevent access is by keeping garage doors closed when not in use and any windows or openings shut. Cracks and gaps should be sealed with weather stripping. This blocks points of entry for hummingbirds and other small birds.
Avoid keeping feeders near the garage
Do not place hummingbird feeders right next to the garage or anywhere near openings. Keep feeders at least 10 feet away from the structure. This reduces temptation for hummingbirds to fly inside.
Remove food sources inside the garage
Eliminate any potential food sources inside the garage that could lure hummingbirds to enter. Discard overripe fruit or leaky bags that contain sugar. Also clean up any insects or spider webs that the birds may try to feed on.
Install netting over open doors
When leaving garage doors open on nice days, cover the opening with netting. Look for netting with a 1/2 inch mesh or smaller so hummingbirds cannot get through. This allows airflow while preventing access.
Use wind chimes near open doors
The sound from wind chimes can deter hummingbirds from entering open garage doors. The moving parts and alerts when birds fly close by scares them off.
Keep exterior lights off at night
Hummingbirds are attracted to light sources at night when navigating their migration routes. Keep all exterior garage lights off after dark during spring and fall migration months.
Install a hummingbird deterrent
Various hummingbird deterrent devices are available at garden centers or online using reflective tape, ultrasonic noise or water spray. Use these as needed near garage access points.
What to Feed a Hummingbird
If a hummingbird does become trapped in your garage, you’ll need to provide nourishment while you work to free it. Here are the best food sources to offer an exhausted hummingbird:
Nectar
Premixed nectar or homemade nectar is ideal. Use a ratio of 1 part white sugar dissolved in 4 parts water. Boil the water first then add sugar to dissolve. Cool before filling feeders. Do not use any food dyes, sweeteners or honey.
Sugar water
In a pinch, a pure sugar water mix can be used. Dissolve 4 teaspoons of plain white sugar per 1 cup of warm water. Again avoid using anything besides plain sugar as an emergency feeder.
Fruit
Small slices of ripe banana, grapes, apple or melon can be provided. Push a sliver onto a skewer and hang it near the hummingbird’s resting spot for easy access. Only leave fruit out for a short time to avoid spoilage.
Insects
Mealworms, small crickets or flies can also provide protein if hummingbirds seem resistant to drinking nectar. Never give honey which causes crop yeast infections in hummingbirds.
Signs a Hummingbird Needs Help
Hummingbirds are highly energetic and resilient. But trapped birds may show signs of distress. Look for these indicators a hummingbird in your garage needs rehabilitation help:
Moving very slowly,unable to hover
Healthy hummingbirds are highly active and can precisely hover in place. A bird moving slowly or unable to hover likely needs food and rest.
Rapid or labored breathing
Rising and falling of the body with each quick breath, or breathing with beak open, signals exhaustion.
Feathers puffed out
Puffed feathers indicate chronic stress versus normal sleek plumage.
Repeatedly running into walls or objects
Disorientation from starvation or collisions shows a neurological issue.
Drooping wings/head
A drooping appearance or closed eyes means the bird is having trouble holding itself up.
Injuries to the beak,feet or wings
Any visible cuts,swelling or bent limbs require medical intervention.
Unable to perch
Hummingbirds that cannot grasp onto branches or feeders may have an underlying injury or illness.
How to Find a Hummingbird Rehabilitator
If a hummingbird you rescue from your garage shows any concerning symptoms, seek help from a professional rehabilitator. Here are ways to find an experienced rehab expert in your area:
Contact local wildlife agencies
State wildlife departments often keep lists of licensed rehabilitators. They may also be able to directly take the bird and transport it for care.
Search hummingbird rehabilitation directories
National databases like The Hummingbird Society offer search tools to find rehabbers near you. Many specialize in hummingbird care.
Call local zoos or nature centers
Even if they cannot rehab hummingbirds onsite, most zoos and nature centers partner with or can recommend nearby hummingbird experts.
Check with veterinary schools/clinics
Vet students often need avian patients to learn proper bird rehabilitation techniques. Tap into their expertise.
Search online directories
Sites like Wildlife Rehabber offer location-based searches for all types of wildlife rehabilitators, including those able to care for hummingbirds.
Join hummingbird Facebook groups
Search Facebook for hummingbird fan groups. Members often include dedicated rehabbers happy to assist an injured bird.
Warnings About Keeping Wild Hummingbirds
While a gorgeous sight, it is illegal to keep wild hummingbirds as pets. It also severely threatens their health. Take these precautions:
Avoid capturing uninjured birds
Healthy hummingbirds quickly die in captivity. Only rehab truly sick or injured birds temporarily until their release.
Do not attempt to tame them
Hummingbirds are wild animals. They retain their fear of humans and cannot be tamed.
Promptly contact a rehabilitator
Rehabbers have special cages and diets to nourish hummingbirds and limit stress during recovery.
Never keep adults long term
Adult hummingbirds will likely die within a few days in a human home even with intensive care.
Limit rescued babies to 2-6 weeks
Only rehab baby hummingbirds for a few weeks until they can feed independently and fly strongly.
Get permits for temporary care
Laws protect native birds. Always obtain any needed permits associated with rehabbing hummingbirds.
Prioritize returning to the wild
The goal is always to release healthy hummingbirds back to their natural habitat as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Discovering a hummingbird trapped in a garage can be scary for both you and the bird. But following these tips for a gentle, properly executed rescue and release can help ensure the hummingbird recovers from its ordeal. Prevention is also key to avoid repeat incidents and unnecessary stress. With some care and hasty action, you can successfully intervene and send the hummingbird back home to thrive freely. Just be sure to seal up that garage next time you park inside!
