Finding an injured bird can be upsetting. You want to help the poor creature, but you may not know the best way to do so. Calling the right people or organization is the first step in getting the bird the assistance it needs. This article will provide information on who to contact if you find an injured bird near you.
Assess the Situation
The first thing you should do upon finding an injured bird is assess the situation. Is the bird able to fly away from you? Does it appear to have any broken bones or bleeding? Is it a baby bird that may have fallen from its nest? Determining the severity of the injury and overall condition of the bird will help you figure out what type of help it needs.
If the bird is able to hop or fly away from you, it may have only a minor injury that can heal on its own. Often the best thing to do for a bird that can still move about on its own is to leave it alone. Attempting to capture an injured but mobile bird often does more harm than good.
However, if the bird is bleeding, has broken bones, cannot put weight on its legs, or seems otherwise severely impaired, human intervention is needed. A bird in this condition will require rehabilitation in order to survive.
Take note of the type and size of the bird as well. This information will be useful when contacting wildlife rehabilitators.
Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator
The best thing you can do for an injured bird that needs assistance is to contact a local wildlife rehabilitator. Wildlife rehabilitators are trained specialists who provide medical care and temporary housing for sick, injured and orphaned wild animals. Their goal is to rehabilitate the animal so it can be released back to the wild.
You can find a list of wildlife rehabilitators near you by checking your state’s Department of Natural Resources or Fish & Wildlife website. There are also national databases you can search such as the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council’s provider lookup.
When you contact the rehabilitator, be ready to describe the condition of the bird and provide details like the species, size and exact location where you found it. This will allow them to determine if they have the capabilities to accept the animal and provide instructions on the best way for you to capture and transport the bird.
Many rehabilitators offer 24-hour emergency hotlines. If the bird appears to be in imminent danger, do not hesitate to call. The sooner the bird can be professionally assessed and treated, the better its chances of recovery.
Other Options for Bird Assistance
In some cases, the ideal wildlife rehabilitator may be located too far away or be at capacity and unable to accept the bird. Here are a few other options for finding help:
Animal Control
Local animal control agencies often have resources to assist injured wildlife. At minimum, they can provide advice or direct you to licensed wildlife rehabilitators in the area. Some larger departments may even have staff members trained in wildlife rehabilitation.
Humane societies and SPCAs
Though their primary role is to assist domestic animals, many humane societies and SPCA locations accept wildlife and either provide rehabilitation or work with outside rehabilitators. Check if your local organization offers this service.
Veterinary hospitals or clinics
Some veterinary practices are equipped to stabilize sick or injured wild animals. They can assess the bird’s condition, provide emergency care and transfer to a wildlife rehabilitator. There may be costs involved, so be sure to check.
Wildlife or nature centers
Nature education centers, parks and wildlife preserves occasionally have wildlife rehabilitators on staff or work with rehab volunteers. Contact centers near you to learn if they can assist an injured bird.
University biology or veterinary departments
College campuses with biology, zoology or veterinary programs may have resources for wildlife. Professors and students can sometimes provide advice or direct you to rehabilitation specialists.
Care Instructions While Transporting the Bird
Once you’ve located a facility or rehabilitator able to take in the injured bird, you’ll need to safely capture and transport it to receive care. Here are some tips:
– Wear thick gloves to avoid injury from talons or bites. Many birds will lash out when humans attempt to handle them.
– Approach the bird slowly and gently try to scoop or guide it into a towel, box or carrier. Avoid grabbing the bird.
– Cover the bird with a light towel to help reduce stress while you transfer to a secure carrier or box that is lined with a soft cloth and has air holes.
– Place a heating pad or hot water bottle under or against one side of the container to keep the bird warm.
– Keep the carrier in a quiet, dark place and avoid jostling the bird. Drive carefully if transporting it in a vehicle.
– Do not try to feed the bird or give it water, as this can do more harm than good.
– Get the bird to a rehabilitator or veterinarian as soon as possible. Call ahead so they are expecting you.
With appropriate transportation, temporary housing and eventual rehabilitation from a trained professional, an injured bird can often go on to make a full recovery and be released back to the wild.
Preventing Bird Injuries
While helping injured birds is important, it’s also beneficial to take measures to help prevent bird injuries in the first place. Here are a few things you can do:
– Keep cats indoors. Outdoor and feral cats are a leading cause of injury and death among wild birds.
– Make windows bird safe. Apply decals or use screens to prevent collisions that can severely injure or kill birds.
– Provide bird feeders and baths away from windows and ensure grain feeders are positioned to avoid build up. Moldy seed can make birds ill.
– Keep yard areas tidy and remove fence or wire materials birds could become entangled in. Trim trees and shrubs to remove dead branches birds could collide with.
– Reduce or eliminate pesticide use, including insecticides and lawn treatments. Pesticides poison the prey birds consume.
– Dispose of trash properly. Birds can choke on discarded plastic bags or become trapped in bottles or cans.
– When driving, watch for birds that may fly across the road or scavenge on pavement. Avoid running over stranded fledglings who may be learning to fly.
– Keep pet birds properly housed. Escapees can struggle to survive and even introduce diseases to wild populations. Report escaped pet birds to authorities.
– Support conservation organizations. Groups like Audubon Society help protect bird populations and their natural habitats.
Conclusion
Finding an injured or baby bird can be worrisome, but don’t panic. Assess the situation, call your local wildlife rehabilitator for guidance and use care when capturing and transporting the bird to receive professional assistance. With quick action on your part, the feathered friend will have its best chance at recovery and release. Doing your part to prevent bird injuries will also make a positive difference.