Adult or baby with any of the following: Injured, infested with flies or maggots,* cat or dog caught, very cold or weak, convulsions, long fall onto hard surface? (Any adult bird that can be approached and picked up.) Baby raptor on ground.

Head tilt; bleeding; wing droop; twist or curvature, etc.

Fly eggs (maggots) are pale yellow and are laid in clumps on the flesh or in the feathers. They look like rice or grain. Maggots can quickly move into vital organs; birds with maggots must go to a rehabilitator immediately.

For a bird, particularly a bird of prey, that just "looks funny" or is hunched over, it may be guarding food by the side of the road or resting during the migration. Raptors are attracted to rats and mice that are attracted to garbage next to highways or median strips. If it is out of reach or flies away when approached, it’s fine.

Unless the parents are known dead, an attempt should be made to renest baby birds who have fallen out of the nest and are not injured or infested. They should be warmed carefully in the hands and then returned to the nest. You should then watch the nest from a distance, returning every hour to warm the babies until the parents return. If the parents have not returned in two hours, or by dusk (7:00 in spring, 8:00 later), retrieve the babies, put them in a box in a warm, dark, quiet place, and call call a licensed rehabilitator in your area.

Time and warmth can be critical, particularly with nestlings. If it is a cold, rainy day, or it is late in the afternoon, and if the parents do not return call a licensed rehabilitator in your area.

Never leave a nestling in a nest alone unless they know the mother can brood it. Do not put a nestling in a separate container from the main nest, because the mother cannot keep both nests warm. If the baby cannot be returned to the main nest, call a rehabilitator.

To repair a damaged nest carefully retie the nest with string or wire, then replace the young. Do not leave loops, tangles, or sharp points that could injure parents or nestlings.

• The nest must have drainage or it will fill with water. Suggest they use a berry basket, plastic plant pot with drainage holes (hanging basket is good), wooden or straw basket. Even a craft store bird’s nest works. A margarine tub is a last resort and only if it has large drainage holes punched in the bottom. Another option is the plastic jug (see next page under birds in vent).

• Line it with nest debris or clean straw. Don’t use grass or paper; they’ll get wet and mildew.

• If the nest can’t be replaced in the original spot, select a place as close as possible. Hang if possible, or use duct tape to attach. Be sure it has some protection from direct sun (filtered is okay), wind, rain, and is out of reach of cats and children.

• After the nest is replaced, it should be carefully monitored for two hours for the return of the parents. If the parents do not return to feed and brood (nestlings), the babies will need to be taken to a rehabilitator.

If the bird has feathers, a short tail (1/4 – ½"), and can walk, hop, and fly a little, it is probably a fledgling. It should be able to cling to a branch in a bush, and should be spirited enough to try to get away from a human. If the bird is lethargic, not standing erect, or approaches for help, it should be referred immediately.

If the bird seems to be normal:

• put it in a bush (not a tree) near where it was found, away from street.
• keep dogs, cats, and children away.
• Watch for two hours to see if the parents return.
• If the parents do not return call  a licensed rehabilitator in your area.

Objection

Response

Neighbor’s dog or cat in the yard

It is rare for a nest to be abandoned. The older and more feathered the baby bird becomes, the less often the parent is sighted, and the quieter the babies are. When approached, the babies will get down and remain still and quiet. The parents zip in and out very quickly to feed. Someone must watch the nest constantly (from a distance) for a least 45 minutes to see if the parents return. If you know that one or more parents have been killed, contact a licensed rehabilitator in your area.

Try to Replace babies and/or nest. Warn children to stay away. If problem persists, refer to rehabilitator as the parents may abandon the nest.

House sparrows often will go into a nest box and eject inhabitants to take possession of the box. Sometimes putting up a another nest box will solve the housing crisis.

Black snakes, raccoons, crows, blue jays and many other predators raid nests and eat nestlings and eggs. There is usually nothing that can be done and nature must take its course. If a nest box is being used, there may be alternatives or design modifications – suggest the caller contact a bird store.

If an egg has fallen from the nest it may be returned if it has not been too long.

In general, if the mother has disappeared or a nest has been down for a while, dispose of the eggs. Eggs can only be left at most a couple of hours without brooding. There are 3 factors to proper egg hatching, and there is not much known about the successful combination of these factors:

1. Rotation: the mother turns the eggs several times a day

2. Humidity: a proper range must be maintained

3.  Temperature.

If you are not convinced by above, know that even if the egg should hatch, the baby bird is not likely to live. Birds that are not raised by their mothers during the first three days have a very high mortality rate. This is because during the feeding process the saliva of the mother transmits natural immunities to the babies. Without this immunity transfer from the mother, it is unlikely the baby will live more than three days anyway.

In general, remember that bird nests may not be disturbed if there are eggs or babies in them (Federal law). The only exceptions are pigeons, European starlings, and English sparrows. If the eggs are not yet laid, it is fine to tear down the nest. The bird will attempt to rebuild it but eventually should give up and build elsewhere.

Killdeer like pavement for nesting and will build nests in parking lots, construction sites, etc. Other birds which nest various places on the ground include quail, ducks, and geese. The nest must be left alone, but may be protected by barricades or signs.

Canada geese in particular frequently build nests on top of parking structures, on balconies, or across busy streets from water. They will build where they can see water, but may have difficulty getting the unflighted goslings to the water after they hatch. Get a group together who will assist the family in getting to water (approximately 28 days after the mother begins to sit on the nest). See duck and goose information.

Birds in vents and gutters are most likely to be starlings and house sparrows. Mothers build nests in these locations; they are rarely trapped. If possible, encourage people to wait approximately 3 weeks until babies leave the nest, clean out the debris, and screen the vent.

If the nest has to be moved, or falls out, they can make a new nest in a clean one gallon container (preferably with cap on) with a hole cut in the side for the mother to get in and drainage holes in the bottom, filled with the old nest or grass, etc. They should hang it near the entry hole outside of the house (out of direct sun), where the mother will pass by, and watch to make sure the parents return. If nest not accepted, refer to rehabilitator.

Birds in chimney:

These occur in late July through mid August. They are chimney swifts, often mistaken for bats. Because they cannot perch like songbirds, chimney swifts must have deep shafts in which to raise their families and roost at night. They make a chattering or hissing noise which is sometimes mistaken for rats, bats or even snakes. Inform the caller that swifts eat mosquitoes and other flying-insect pests, and assure them that the noise will be gone within three weeks when the youngsters fly away. It is illegal to remove nesting swifts (even for chimney cleaning companies), but swifts migrate out in fall. Adults look like cigars with wings when flying.

Chimney swifts make a nest of saliva and sticks on one side of the chimney; the nest often falls down. The caller can make a nest from a basket and place it back up on the ledge above the flue, closing the damper. If the babies are cold, they must be warmed before replacing. The parents will come all the way down the chimney to feed. If babies can cling to side of chimney, they can stick the baby back up, close the damper, and the babies will work their way up the side of the chimney. If birds get into the house from the fireplace and can fly, follow instructions for birds trapped in the house, or corner the bird, pick it up and stick it back up the chimney.

Water carefully around edges of basket, or allow ice cubes to melt around edge in hot weather.

This situation is dangerous for the waterfowl and motorists alike. Callers should be advised to contact the local law enforcement  and have traffic stopped and the family herded across.

If it is a local or residential road, several neighbors may be able to accomplish it.

Ducks and geese will normally return to the nest for one or two days, so it may be necessary to do this more than once until they settle in at the water.

To relocate the family, several people should move quickly so as to stress the birds as little as possible. If there is water within walking distance but streets must be crossed, stop traffic and herd the family across, fanning out to keep them tightly bunched. Herd the chicks, and the parents will follow.

If necessary, such as when the babies must be taken down in an elevator, or it is a farther walk, they should quickly put the babies in a cardboard box and carry it, lid open, so that the parents can hear the cheeping. The parents will stay with the chicks as long as they can hear them. They must go slowly so that the parents will follow. Rescuers should wear long sleeves and gloves, as the parents may start getting agitated when the babies are put in a box.

If it is impossible to walk to water and the family must be driven, frequently a mallard mother can be placed in the box with her chicks.

If all precautions have been taken and the parents refuse to follow, or there are other complications, call a licensed rehabilitator in your area..

General feeding of ducks and geese is not recommended. However, it is fine to feed in special circumstances such as when a mother is brooding or when a bird is injured.

Both geese and mallards will eat dry corn, whole or cracked (whole has less waste and is less messy). This can be obtained at a bird store, pet store, or feed store. Although birds eat bread, it does not provide the nutrition that is needed, particularly during cold weather or when brooding.

In most instances an injured Canada goose that can still fly should be left alone, particularly if the injury is an old one and the goose is getting by.  Jjust observe the goose for a while and if it seems to be getting along all right to leave it alone.

There are circumstances when catching it is more important – these include a fresh injury (particularly one showing infection) or when it has constricting garbage (fish line, six-pack ring, etc.) wrapped around it.

There are many pitfalls surrounding catching a Canada goose, including attack by the mate and possible injury. Please call licensed rehabilitator in your area to talk through the process and determine what action should be taken.

Sometimes a goose with a broken wing or angel wing who is unable to fly will stay behind in the fall when other geese migrate. Winters in this area are not usually severe and the goose should survive; many geese in this area do not migrate. Its greatest problems could be inability to find food sources and attack by predators if the water freezes over. This is a situation where supplemental handouts of nutritious food may be helpful.

If the mother and some of the babies are still around, they should be detained if possible (put them in a box) so they can be reunited after the rescue.

Anyone can make a makeshift tool quickly that will pull ducklings back up through grates or other areas where they have been trapped. Use two slim poles (broomsticks, golf clubs, PVC pipe, even fishing poles) and attach a hammock of netting between them with duct tape or (less desirably) masking tape. The netting may be bird netting or even fabric, as long as the holes are small enough that a duckling won’t fall through. This can be gently lowered down and scooped under a duckling, then the duckling brought straight up through the opening in the grate. In a pinch, a scoop net can also be made using a pillow case on a long handle.

No. Birds do not carry rabies.

It is almost impossible to catch a bird that can still fly. If it seems weak and the caller wants to try, a makeshift net can be made by using a long handle with a pillow case attached to the end. This won’t provide much control; for more control, a wire coat hanger bent into a circle could be run through the hem of the pillowcase.

A sick or weak bird that is on the ground can easily be caught by throwing a towel over it. If possible, approach the bird with the towel between you and the bird so that it does not see your face. Once it is in the dark, it will be easy to handle.

There are generally two possibilities for repeated window strikes:

1. Territorial birds who see their reflection in a shiny surface (window, car windshield, even shiny car surface) will attack the reflection believing it to be an intruder. Generally, they do not seriously hurt themselves when they do this, and fly away immediately. This particularly happens during the spring mating season. The solution is to eliminate the reflection for several days. Drawing drapes or putting paper inside the house is not good enough – there will still be a reflection. The paper must go on the outside of the window.

Some birds seem to be particularly persistent, particularly when a car is involved. In that case, another alternative might be to hang a mirror from a nearby tree to distract the bird’s attention for a few days while covering or moving the car.

2. Birds may also strike windows (with more force, and frequently hurting themselves) because they can see through the window to green space and don’t realize the window is there. Sheers, closing doors to eliminate the view, strips of tinfoil, hawk silhouettes, stained glass decorations, tape strips and other tactics may be necessary to eliminate this risk. It may also help to plant bushes in front of the windows.

Birds will always fly toward the light. Walk through the following rescue steps:

1. Confine the bird to one room if possible. Cover mirrors and close curtains in that room.
2. Open windows and doors and turn off the lights.
3. Keep people and pets out of the room until the bird goes out.
4. If there is no way the bird can get out, lead it toward a door or window by closing off or darkening the house, except for a path to the exit.
5. If the bird is hurt and hiding in the room, give it an hour or so (staying out of the room) to come out in the open. Try putting out birdseed, water, or a piece of apple to tempt it. If it can’t be reached or cornered, call a licensed rehabilitator in your area. for advice.
6. A healthy bird should be released in its own neighborhood. If the bird is obviously injured or won’t fly away, call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Occasionally large grocery or department stores call about birds (usually a starling or sparrow) trapped in them. This is extremely difficult because frequently the suggestions you offer cannot be done (particularly in a 24-hour store). You can offer suggestions, but if they cannot turn out the lights and open a door to the outside, they may need to call a local wildlife company with proper equipment and pay a fee to have the bird caught and released.

A bird that has fallen into a deep or tight place may climb out on a rough branch or knotted cloth rope carefully lowered to it and fastened at the top.

Birds do occasionally get trapped in oven and dryer vents, heating and cooling systems, walls, or between chimney and chimney flashing. Sometimes (as in the case of between the chimney and flashing or behind a built-in microwave) there is nothing that can be done to rescue it unless the homeowner is willing to have a handyman cut into the wall or vent, or remove a piece of the ductwork or equipment.

A bird behind an oven may be rescued by pulling the oven away from the wall. The bird, if not injured, will fly into the room so it then will have to be moved to the outside.

If nestlings are rescued uninjured, they can be renested outside using a milk jug (information) near the opening that led to the nest. Fledglings can be put in a shrub nearby. Weak or injured birds must go to a licensed rehabilitator in your area..

After the rescue, any nest debris should be cleaned out and the hole in screen or vent should be repaired using ½ - ¾ " hardware cloth.

Birds that have oil or sticky material on any parts of their body are severely hampered and may be unable to fly, eat, or breathe properly. Sometimes birds, in their search for insects, may become attached to insect or mouse pest strips; in their struggle to get free, they can become seriously injured. Although sometimes the manufacturer will recommend removal techniques, removal of any of these materials is a delicate, lengthy process and must not be attempted by anyone other than a federally licensed rehabilitator. After the material is removed, the removal process may actually destroy the bird’s waterproofing, and it may have to be re-waterproofed before it can be released.

Any large oil or chemical spill or a spill of any size in progress should be reported to 911 immediately. Established, non-active spills of any size should be reported to the local jurisdiction’s Fire Marshall Hazardous Materials section. Ask the caller to report it, but if the caller won’t, the hotline volunteer should do it.

In general, birds follow their own timetable and will migrate when they feel the time is right. Many waterfowl no longer migrate. If the situation seems very unusual, such as an individual bird that did not migrate when others of its species did, refer to a licensed rehabilitator in your area.

Sparrows and finches may be seen around the feeder with conjunctivitis, a crusty-looking eye condition that eventually closes the eyes and blinds them. This is highly contagious to other sparrows and finches. Although in the early stages of the disease the bird cannot be caught, at some point an infected bird will no longer be able to fly and can be easily caught. Conjunctivitis is not known to be contagious to humans, but a towel or gloves should still be used to handle the bird. The bird can be successfully treated by a licensed rehabilitator. Pull the the bird feeder for several weeks to stop the spread of disease and  follow a rigorous cleaning protocol.

This is a potentially lethal situation, but in most cases the bird cannot be caught until it is too ill or weak to fly any more. If it can be caught and is in poor condition, the bird needs to be examined carefully by a rehabilitator or veterinarian before it is released, and possibly receive supplemental feeding for a few days to regain its strength.

Sometimes birds get caught in a tree, tangled in string. This is usually because string has been used as a nest-building material, although sometimes kite string (frequently fishing line) is caught in the tree. If the bird can be safely reached with a ladder, give the following instructions:

1. Hold the bird or put a light towel or cloth around it so it can’t fly away, then cut the string.
2. Immediately place the bird in a covered box in a warm, dark, quiet place until it has rested and is less stressed (about an hour).
3. Take the box into a confined area (powder room is good) where the bird has no place to go if it escapes.
4. Cover the bird with a towel and gently pull out the string-wrapped limb. Cut the string off with the smallest scissors (nail scissors are good) possible. If the flesh is broken or swollen, or the string will not come off (is imbedded or has a hook attached) contact a rehabilitator immediately.

If you cannot reach the bird with a ladder, there may be nothing that can be done unless they are willing to hire someone to reach it or their local Animal Control will come out. Any time a raptor is in distress, it should be referred immediately to animal control and/or a raptor rehabilitator.

The hotline receives a lot of calls about pet birds, particularly in the fall. You may wish to find a local pet bird club who usually has someone specializing in retrieving pet birds.