What to do if you find an injured bird
Finding an injured or fallen bird can be alarming. Your first instinct may be to rush over and pick it up, but this could do more harm than good. Here are some tips on how to safely handle an injured bird and get it the help it needs:
Assess from a distance
If you come across a fallen bird, observe it from several feet away first. Look for any obvious signs of injury like bleeding, broken wings or legs, or heavy breathing. Also note if the bird is able to hop or fly away. Healthy birds that are simply stunned may recover and fly off after a few minutes of rest.
Cover with a lightweight towel
If the bird appears injured and unable to fly, gently toss a lightweight towel or cloth over it. This helps minimize stress and prevents further injury from the bird flapping around. Do not try to capture the bird with your bare hands.
Place in a ventilated container
Carefully slide the covered bird into a ventilated box, cage, or carrier lined with a towel. Avoid direct contact but restrain the bird as needed to transfer to the container. Keep the bird in a quiet, warm, dark place to reduce stress.
Contact a wildlife rehabilitator
Seek expert care from a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian as soon as possible. It’s illegal in most states to keep native wild birds unless you’re a licensed rehabilitator. Contact a local rehab facility for guidance. If you can’t reach one, call an animal welfare organization like the ASPCA for assistance.
Is it safe to handle an injured bird?
Handling an injured bird does pose some safety risks, mostly due to the potential for bites, scratches, and disease transmission. Here are some precautions to take:
- Wear thick gloves to avoid bites and scratches.
- Cover the bird with a towel whenever possible to calm it.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling and avoid touching your face.
- Use tools like cardboard or a broom to gently nudge an unable-to-fly bird into a box.
- Disinfect any equipment used to transport the bird.
- Call animal control to handle larger birds like geese or raptors.
Take care to not cause further injury by improperly catching or restraining the bird. Injured birds may lash out in fear and pain. But in most cases, the risks of handling can be minimized with proper precautions. The reward of saving an injured bird’s life outweighs the small chance of getting hurt.
What do you do if a bird flies into a window?
Birds don’t see glass, so windows can pose a major hazard, especially on homes near woods or feeders. If a bird strikes your window, here are some steps to help it:
- Check for signs of injury like bleeding or broken bones. If severely hurt, follow steps above for transporting to a rehab facility.
- If stunned but not visibly injured, place in a cardboard box and set somewhere quiet and dark to recover.
- Monitor for 1-2 hours. If not recovering, call a wildlife rehabilitator.
- Once recovered, release during daylight in a nearby shrub or tree.
- Apply decals to problem window areas to prevent future collisions.
A bird that hit a window may just need time to rest in a warm, quiet space. But always have an expert assess for concussion or other internal injuries that require prompt care. With quick action, most window-strike victims can fully recover.
How to make a DIY bird rescue kit
Having basic supplies ready to go can help you more quickly aid an injured bird in need. Here are low-cost items to include in a DIY bird rescue kit:
Supply | Purpose |
---|---|
Shoebox or small animal carrier | Safe temporary enclosure |
Old towels | Cushioning and warmth |
Leather work gloves | Protect hands from bites/scratches |
Small broom/dustpan | Move immobile bird to box |
Flashlight (night rescues) | Illuminate work area |
List of rehab contacts | For quick access when needed |
Keep these items ready to go year-round for emergency bird rescues. Having the proper equipment and a plan in place allows you to act swiftly if an injured bird needs your help.
Why is prompt care critical for injured birds?
When birds become injured or ill, timely medical care greatly impacts their chances for survival. Here are some key reasons an injured bird needs expert help right away:
- Prevents shock – Birds go into shock easily from trauma, blood loss, or dehydration.
- Allows injury assessment – Vets diagnose internal injuries not visible externally.
- Treats pain – Birds are stoic and hide pain well, but still require analgesics.
- Avoids self-injury – Confined birds may harm themselves trying to escape.
- Provides hydration/nutrition – Birds need electrolytes and food to recover.
- Monitors for infection – Open wounds are prone to infection in birds.
- Allows rest – Birds mask illness when feeling vulnerable and need enforced rest.
The first hours after an injury are critical. Don’t wait to see if a bird improves on its own. Call for qualified help right away to increase the chances the bird will heal and ultimately return to the wild.
How can you avoid injuring wild birds?
While rescuing injured birds is important, prevention is ideal. Here are some tips to make your yard and home safer for wild birds:
- Keep cats indoors – Cats kill billions of wild birds each year.
- Reduce collisions – Apply decals to windows and turn off lights at night.
- Ensure chimneys are capped – Birds can get trapped inside.
- Properly dispose of litter – Discarded fishing line or plastic can entangle birds.
- Remove traps/nets when not in use – Birds can easily become caught.
- Position bird houses safely – Avoid placing near windows or wires.
- Monitor bird feeders – Clean regularly to prevent disease spread.
Making a few simple changes can go a long way towards keeping wild birds safe. Spread the word to friends and neighbors to be vigilant as well. Protecting birds is a community effort!
How can kids help fallen birds?
Children often want to assist injured animals but need supervision. Here are some kid-friendly ways to help fallen birds under adult guidance:
- Join in binning bird feeders to help keep them clean.
- Help design bird-deterring window decals by coloring pictures.
- Make homemade bird treats to donate to a rehab center.
- Collect soft cloth scraps and feathers for bird bedding.
- Draw get-well cards to send injured birds.
- Accompany adults when delivering rescued birds to rehab facilities.
- Set up a lemonade stand and donate earnings to a wildlife group.
Empower kids to be involved in safe, age-appropriate ways. Nurture their compassion for living creatures by teaching gentle methods to handle wildlife emergencies. With supervision, kids can make a big difference in a fallen bird’s recovery.
Conclusion
Encountering an injured bird can be distressing, but in most cases, the situation is manageable with calm and care. Remember to first assess from a distance, cover the bird gently, and transfer to a secure container. Promptly contact wildlife experts for assistance and medical evaluation. With some preparation and knowledge, one person can save a precious life. When we take the time and effort to rescue fallen birds, we benefit both nature and ourselves through this selfless act. If you suspect a bird is hurt, don’t hesitate to show empathy and intervene responsibly.