If you discover a bird stuck in a tree, it can be distressing for both you and the bird. Birds can become trapped in trees for various reasons, such as getting tangled in branches, twine, or nesting material. While your first instinct may be to immediately try to rescue the bird, it’s important to assess the situation before taking action. In many cases, baby birds that appear stuck are actually fledglings learning to fly and should be left alone. However, if an adult bird is truly trapped, here are some steps you can take to safely help free the bird without further injuring it or putting yourself in danger.
Assess if the bird is a fledgling or adult
The first thing to determine is if the bird is a fledgling or an adult. Fledgling birds are young birds that are starting to learn to fly but are still dependent on their parents. They will often end up on the ground or perched precariously on branches and appear stranded. However, the parents are still feeding and watching them, so they are usually safe. If the bird is a fledgling, it’s best not to interfere. If the bird is in immediate danger, like in the road or stalked by a predator, you can move it a short distance to a sheltered spot.
Adult birds that become stuck are in more distress and in need of aid. Adult birds will have bright colored plumage, while fledglings are often still downy with mottled colors. If the bird is an adult, proceed to the next steps to help free it.
Wait and observe
Before taking any action, it’s important to watch the scene and allow some time to pass. Wait and see if the bird can work itself free or if the parents come to feed a fledgling. Watch for signs of external injuries from being stuck, like bleeding or broken wings or legs. Also note if there are any predators around that could attack the bird if you cause it to panic and flutter.
Assess if you need to call for help
Based on your observation, make an assessment if the situation requires calling for expert help. Here are some situations that would warrant contacting a wildlife rehabilitator, tree service company or fire department for assistance:
The bird is an adult and injured
If the bird is an adult and appears to be injured from being stuck, such as broken bones, bleeding, or unable to flap its wings, you will need expert help. Attempting to free the bird yourself could cause further harm. Cover the bird with a light sheet to keep it calm and call a local wildlife rehabilitator.
The bird is high up in the tree
Birds stuck very high up in trees should be handled by professionals with proper equipment. Well-meaning people attempting to get up to the bird can result in falls and injuries. Call a local tree service company or fire department to safely retrieve the bird.
You cannot identify threats
Carefully check the surroundings and determine that there are no predators around that could attack the bird or other hazards. If you cannot completely secure the scene, get expert help to rescue the bird.
The bird is tangled and can’t be reached
If the bird is tangled and wedged deep in the tree where you cannot safely access it, call for help. Professionals may be able to use special equipment like pole saws, nets or ladder trucks to reach the bird.
DIY bird rescue
If the bird appears uninjured, is accessible, and the situation seems safe, here are some tips for rescuing a stuck bird on your own:
Prune back branches
If the bird is tangled in small branches, you can often free it by carefully pruning back the branches around it using gardening shears. Take care not to cut the feathers or flesh of the bird.
Offer a perch
Place a wooden board, pole or ladder as close to the bird as possible so it has something else to perch on besides the branches trapping it. The bird may hop over itself once an alternative perch is offered.
Drape a light sheet
If the bird is staying put, drape a light cotton sheet up over the bird to help calm it before attempting to reach it. This may soothe the bird so it stays still as you work to untangle it.
Gently cut away threads
If the bird is snagged by threads, gently clip the threads with small scissors to free the bird. Be extremely careful not to pull on the threads entangling the bird which could further injure it.
Remove old nest material
Birds can get trapped in older nests and nesting materials in trees. Carefully remove the tangled grasses or fibers surrounding the bird’s feet to allow it to break free.
Call the bird by name
If you can identify the species of bird stuck, looking up recordings of that bird’s call online. Play the call gently from your phone to see if calling to the bird motivates it to wriggle free.
What to do after freeing the bird
Once you’ve been able to successfully help the bird get unstuck, here are some next steps:
Allow the bird time to recover
Let the recently freed bird to rest and recover its energy before forcing it to immediately fly off. Provide a bowl of fresh water for rehydration and some seeds or berries if you have them available. Keep pets away and watch for predators.
Check for injuries
Gently examine the bird for any wounds, bleeding or broken bones. If the bird is injured, call a wildlife rehabilitator. They can provide antibiotics, splints and other medical care.
Move a fledgling to safety
If the stuck bird was a fledgling, move it to a protected spot in a bush or hidden area at the base of the tree. This allows the parents to still find and care for it.
Observe flying ability
When the bird seems restored, gently test its ability to fly by tossing a small ball near it or lifting it above your head. Healthy birds should readily take flight. If not, contact a rehabilitator.
Release outside
When you’re confident the bird is healthy, release it outside away from the tree where it was trapped. Monitor that it is able to fly off without difficulty. Contact wildlife experts if it still appears unable to fly properly.
Prevent birds getting trapped
To help prevent birds from getting stuck in trees in the future, here are some tips:
Trim weak branches
Weak, dangling or crisscrossing branches often snag birds’ feet and wings. Prune these potential traps away from trees in your yard.
Remove strings and threads
Clear away loose cotton, fishing line, balloon ribbons and other stringy materials hanging in outdoor trees and bushes.
Take down old nests
Gently remove old bird nests from prior seasons after chicks have fledged and learned to fly skillfully.
Use bird-safe netting
When netting trees and bushes, use wide, loose-weave netting designed not to trap birds’ claws, beaks or wings.
Install barrier branches
Affix short, stubby branches around V-shaped branch forks to prevent birds from accidentally slipping in.
Avoid small gauge wire netting
Do not use plastic or thin wire netting to protect fruit trees and crops. Birds can easily become hopelessly entangled.
Conclusion
Discovering a stuck bird can be alarming, but there are steps you can take to safely free the bird without undue risk. Always assess the situation, contact experts if needed, and use patience and gentle persistence to help loosen the bird. With some preparation and vigilance, you can help make your yard safer to prevent birds from getting trapped in the future. With quick, compassionate action, you can do your part to rescue birds in distress and support our valued feathered friends.
Bird Type | Signs | Action Needed |
---|---|---|
Fledgling | Downy feathers, mottled coloring, perched on ground or tree branches. Parent birds are nearby watching. | No action, leave the fledgling alone. |
Adult | Bright colored plumage, trapped in branches, unable to escape. | Free the bird if situation seems safe or call for expert help. |
Injured | Visible wounds, bleeding, broken bones, unable to flap wings. | Contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately. |
High tree | Trapped over 20 feet up tree. | Call tree service company or fire department. |
Tangled | Wrapped tightly in string, threads, netting or vines. | Call wildlife experts to safely free with proper tools. |