![]() Here are some things to be aware of as you handle the bird: If the bird is bigger than the palm of your hand (a pigeon, for example), hold the bird in one hand, as described above, and put your other hand around the shoulders of both wings of the bird, so that the wings are held folded in their normal, at-rest position against the body of the bird. Don’t leave spaces between your hands that the bird may wiggle through. (The feet should not be dangling, but should be just underneath the body of the bird, in the palm of your hand.) If the bird fits easily in the palm of your hand, then place your other hand over the top of the bird and hold the bird securely in both your hands. Support the body of the bird and the bird’s feet with one hand. Don’t ever pick up a songbird by a wing, or by both wings, by the head, or by one or both legs - only by the body. Once you have the bird in hand, do not let her go keep a firm (but not tight) hold on the bird. It is legal to take a native wild bird directly to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, but not legal to possess such a bird otherwise. ![]() There is no reason, and it is also illegal, to catch an adult bird who is not injured or ill. This information is meant for use only with injured or ill adult songbirds. Legal considerations for helping wild birds This method works best with injured pigeons, doves and some other ground feeders. However, this method is unsafe for many songbirds because you may trap, and even injure, other birds, and the one who is injured may further injure himself. In some cases, especially with a bird who lives in your yard, you may be able to set out seed on the ground, leading to a pet carrier, and, over a number of days, the bird may go into the carrier, and you may be able to shut the door. That will accomplish nothing, and the bird may die of stress. Do not get into a situation in which you are chasing the bird with no possibility of catching him. The bird is flying well, but has an injury that you can see: It may not be possible to catch the bird.If the bird can fly well, you may be able to catch her the next day, when she may be weaker from her injuries. The bird can fly a little: You may be able to catch the bird after dark, or by maneuvering her into a corner.Bird is able to run, walk or hop: Try to maneuver him into a corner or against a wall, so that you can pick him up, or ask one or two other people to help you.If this does not work in the daytime, try again in the early evening, when it is almost dark. Bird is on the ground and unable to fly: Approach the bird from behind quietly and slowly, then reach down quickly and precisely, and without hesitating, put your hand around the bird’s shoulders, holding the wings folded against the body, and pick the bird up.Try to maintain your hold on the bird so that he does not fly away, only to die later of his injuries. Bird is in the mouth of a dog or cat or caught in a fence: Extricate the bird as carefully and quickly as you can.Here’s how to catch a bird in different situations: There are a great many situations in which you may find an injured bird. ![]() If you have determined that an adult bird needs rescuing, follow the instructions below for catching and transporting the bird to a wildlife rehabilitator. Only a licensed wildlife rehabilitator has the special equipment and skills to provide the injured bird with proper care. In most cases, the chances of the bird surviving and being released back to the wild are almost non-existent. ![]() Don’t ever try to care for the bird yourself. Important: For the bird to have the best chance of recovery and release, you must contact a rehabilitator right away and transport the songbird there immediately. How to find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator ![]() The bird is either sick or injured and must be taken right away to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Injured bird rescueĪny songbird you find on the ground who is an adult, rather than a fledgling, and who does not immediately fly away from you is in need of help. During the spring, summer and early fall months, many young birds just leaving the nest for the first time are found on the ground by people. If you have found a songbird who appears to be a baby (e.g., seems young and healthy but is not flying), please see “ Baby Bird Rescue.” Even if a wild bird you have found appears to be an adult, it’s possible that the bird is in fact a fledgling (a young bird who has only recently acquired his flight feathers). Is the bird an adult, a baby or a fledgling? ![]()
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