Hitting a bird with your car can be an upsetting experience. While the safety of you and your passengers should always come first, there are steps you can take after an accident to help the bird and follow the law.
Stop Your Vehicle Safely
If you strike a bird with your vehicle, the first thing you should do is stop as soon as it is safe to do so. Pull your vehicle completely off the road and turn on your hazard lights. This will protect you and other drivers from being involved in a secondary accident.
Check on Passengers
Before getting out of your car, check to make sure all passengers in your vehicle are uninjured. The sudden stop could have caused minor injuries. If anyone is hurt, call emergency services right away.
Avoid Oncoming Traffic
Use caution when exiting your vehicle on a busy roadway. Wait for a gap in traffic if possible, and keep yourself and passengers safely away from any oncoming vehicles.
Check Condition of Bird
If you can do so safely, check on the condition of the bird you hit. Look for it on the roadway, shoulder, or nearby field or wooded area in the direction it was traveling when struck. Be careful walking along busy roads.
Assess Injuries
Approach the bird slowly and quietly, watching to see if it moves or tries to get away. If it appears injured but alive, do not try to handle it. Call an animal rehabilitation center or wildlife agency right away and let the experts capture and treat the bird.
Look for Identifying Leg Band
Check the bird’s legs for any numbered metal or plastic bands. Write down the numbers if present. These can be reported to wildlife agencies to identify the bird for research purposes.
Deceased Birds
If the bird appears deceased, move it safely off the roadway out of the path of traffic. You may handle deceased birds with gloves or an inverted bag over your hand. Take note of the species and condition of the bird so it can be reported.
Reporting Bird Strikes
Most areas require drivers to report any collision with a bird, whether it is injured or killed. This helps state wildlife agencies monitor populations. Even strikes that do not cause damage to your vehicle should be reported.
Wildlife Agencies
Find the phone number for your state wildlife agency online or on your hunting and fishing license. Call and provide details about the bird species, location, severity of injuries, and any leg bands observed.
Law Enforcement
If the collision occurred on an interstate or other major highway, report it to the state police as well. Provide your exact location and direction of travel so any remains can be removed from the roadway.
Vehicle Insurance
Report any vehicle damage or injuries caused by the collision to your auto insurance, especially if you swerved or struck other objects. If the bird strike was severe, ask for a police report for the claim.
Preventing Bird Strikes
While most bird strikes are unavoidable accidents, there are steps you can take to reduce risks:
- Use caution driving during active migration seasons in Spring and Fall.
- Slow down when you see birds on or near roadways.
- Scan roadsides carefully, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Use high beams when possible to increase visibility.
- Remove bug splatter and bird droppings from headlights that can obscure vision.
- Avoid tossing food scraps out the window that can attract birds to roadways.
Peak Migration Times
Be extra vigilant during peak migration months based on your location:
Region | Spring Migration | Fall Migration |
---|---|---|
Southern U.S. | Mid-February to Early May | Mid-August to Early November |
Northern U.S. | Mid-March to Late May | Mid-September to Early December |
Midwest | Early March to Early June | Early September to Mid-December |
Dawn and Dusk Are Peak Times
Birds are most active and difficult to see in low light conditions. Be extra cautious when driving at the following times:
Season | Dawn Peak | Dusk Peak |
---|---|---|
Spring | 5-7 AM | 7-10 PM |
Summer | 4:30-5:30 AM | 8:30-9:30 PM |
Fall | 6:15-7:15 AM | 6:15-7:15 PM |
Winter | 6:45-7:30 AM | 5:15-6:15 PM |
Helping Injured Birds
When you come across an injured bird that has been hit by a car, follow these tips:
Assess the Situation
Approach carefully and see if the bird moves or tries to flee. Birds go into shock easily so any movement is a good sign. If it is bleeding but alive, search for a rehabilitation center immediately.
Protect Yourself
Even injured birds can bite or scratch in self-defense. Use thick gloves or a towel to pick up larger birds. Small birds can be transported in a paper bag or box with air holes.
Careful Handling
Try not to further injure the bird by handling it as little as possible. Do not give food or water.
Keep it Warm and Quiet
Injured birds should be kept in a dark, quiet space away from people and other animals. Place in a ventilated box or carrier partly covered with a towel and provide supplemental heat if possible.
Contact a Rehabilitation Center
Call ahead so the facility is ready to assess and treat the bird quickly. Provide details about the species and injuries. Follow their instructions for safe capture and transport.
Disposing of Bird Remains
It can be upsetting to have to dispose of birds that did not survive a vehicle collision. Here are some options:
Road Maintenance
Many highway departments will collect and dispose of bird remains if notified. Provide an exact location so crews can locate the body.
Wildlife Agencies
You may be advised to collect the body and deliver it to your wildlife agency. They can then freeze it for future disease monitoring and research.
Backyard Burial
In rural areas, you may be able to bury bird remains discreetly in your yard at least 3 feet deep. Check local ordinances first.
Trash Collection
Small bird remains like feathers or bones can be placed in a tied plastic bag and put out with your trash for collection.
Animal Removal Companies
For large bird carcasses, contact animal removal companies to see if they offer carcass disposal services.
Avoiding Future Collisions
Here are some tips to help avoid striking birds while driving:
Scan the Shoulders
Actively watch roadsides as you drive for any signs of birds that may suddenly take flight and enter your path.
Cover Truck Loads
Uncovered loads in pickup trucks can release debris that attracts birds to roadways. Always secure and tie down cargo.
Drive at Dawn and Dusk
Be especially alert at peak bird activity times in low light. Slow down and watch for sudden movements.
Use Your High Beams
High beams let you see birds farther away. Use them when possible but be considerate of other drivers.
Brake Carefully
If you spot birds ahead, brake early and gradually. Sudden stops lead to more crashes.
Watch for Groups
Flocks of birds often fly and feed together. If you see one bird crossing, expect that more will follow.
Clear Lights and Windows
Keep headlights, windshields, and mirrors clean. Remove bird droppings, insects, ice, and snow that can obscure vision.
Avoid Tossing Food
Never throw food scraps out the window. This draws birds to roadsides looking for more handouts.
Following Up After Striking a Bird
Here are some final steps to take after a bird collision:
Check Your Vehicle
Inspect the front and undercarriage for any damage. Even a small bird can crack a bumper or radiator at high speeds.
Document the Incident
Take photos of any bird remains or injuries from the collision. Having documentation can help if vehicle repairs are needed.
Report to Authorities
Notify local wildlife officials about any injured or dead birds. Honest reporting helps them protect bird populations.
Look for Patterns
Note any roadway areas that have frequent collisions. This information can identify high risk zones for improved signage or speed limits.
Talk About It
Discuss your experience with other drivers. Raising awareness helps everyone be more alert to prevent future bird strikes.
Conclusion
Striking a bird can be traumatic for both the driver and the animal. By following proper post-collision steps, drivers can protect themselves legally while also taking responsible action to help injured birds or improve monitoring of wildlife populations. While most strikes are accidents, being constantly aware of the possibility and following safe driving practices around dawn and dusk can help reduce future collisions. By working together, drivers and wildlife officials can make the roads safer for both birds and people.