If you find a bird that appears unable to fly or has obvious injuries, there are several steps you should take to help the bird and assess if intervention is needed. Here are some quick answers to common questions about dealing with grounded birds:
Is the bird truly unable to fly?
Not all birds found on the ground require assistance. Fledglings learning to fly may be hopping on the ground. If the bird has all its feathers and no apparent injury, it may just need encouragement to move to a safer area away from people, pets, and traffic.
How can you tell if a bird is injured or ill?
Signs a bird is in need of help include:
– Bleeding, wounds, limping, or favoring a wing/leg
– Breathing heavily or clicking sound when breathing
– Feathers missing, especially around the head
– Sitting still and fluffed up for over an hour
What should you do if you find an injured bird?
– Gently capture the bird with a towel and place it in a ventilated box or paper bag.
– Keep the bird somewhere warm, quiet, and dark until you can get help.
– Contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center or avian vet.
How can you safely capture an injured bird?
– Approach slowly and quietly, talking softly or humming.
– Wear thick gloves and long sleeves in case the bird tries to bite or scratch.
– Gently toss a light towel over the bird to wrap it up safely.
Should you ever try to feed/water a bird you find?
No, it’s best to get the bird professional help right away. Attempting to feed an injured or ill bird can do more harm than good.
Assessing the Bird’s Condition
Once you have safely captured an injured or weak bird, it’s important to observe its condition and behavior to determine if rehabilitation is needed. Here are key things to look for:
Plumage condition: Check if the bird is missing any feathers or has bald spots, especially around the head. Missing plumage often signals illness, malnutrition, parasites, or other issues.
Eye, nose, and beak: The eyes should be clear, bright, and alert. Discharge from the eyes or nostrils, swelling, or scabs can indicate infection or disease. The beak should be free of any discharge or injury.
Wings and legs: Look for any signs of cuts, swelling, limping, or the bird favoring one side. Carefully extend each wing to check for injuries or broken bones.
Breathing: Listen and watch for normal, even breathing. If the bird is breathing rapidly, breathing with an open mouth, or making clicking sounds, it likely needs medical help.
Energy level: A healthy bird will exhibit signs of strength and alertness even when contained. Weakness, lethargy, and unresponsiveness are very concerning.
Caring for the Bird While Waiting for Help
Once it’s clear the grounded bird needs assistance, proper temporary care is vital until you can get the bird to a wildlife rehabilitator or avian vet. Here are some tips for caring for the bird in the meantime:
Appropriate containment: Place the bird in a ventilated cardboard box or paper bag, or a pet carrier with a blanket over it to reduce stress. Avoid containers made of fabric that can catch claws or a solid container where the bird may thrash and further injure itself.
Warmth: Put the container someplace dark, quiet, and draft-free. On a heating pad set to low or a hot water bottle can help the bird maintain body heat if needed. Monitor temperature carefully.
Hydration: Do not give water by mouth or force-feed anything. This risks aspiration pneumonia. The bird’s needs are best met by a rehabber or vet.
Capture and transport: Limit noise and contact with the bird. Use a thick towel to capture and move if needed. Place the container on the floor of the car or away from air vents during transport.
Timeliness: Get the bird to a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as you can. When in doubt, call for guidance. Do not delay care.
Getting the Bird to Professional Care
Wild birds are protected by law, so you must take any grounded bird to proper licensed handlers only. Here are steps to get the bird help:
1. Call local rehabilitators for advice. Even if you can’t reach them, leave a message with details so they can call back promptly.
2. Search online databases. Resources like The Humane Society website allow searching for the nearest wildlife rehabber.
3. Contact your state wildlife agency. They can connect you with licensed rehabbers in your area.
4. Drive the bird to a facility. Once you find a location, safely transport the bird in a covered, secure container.
5. Pay any requested care fees. Make a donation if possible. Rehabbers rely on grants and public support.
6. Keep follow up notes. Record the rehabbers name, contact info, and any instructions they provide at drop off.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
It’s understandable to want to rush to help an injured or weak bird. However, some actions may inadvertently do more harm than good. Here are mistakes to avoid:
Don’t:
– Assume a fledgling needs help – they often can’t fly well at first.
– Try to return bird to the nest – this rarely works.
– Offer food or water – can lead to aspiration if done improperly.
– Use fabric containers – feet and claws can become trapped.
– Keep the bird – wild animals rarely survive as pets.
– Attempt to heal the bird yourself – leave that to the experts.
Do:
– Step back and observe before intervening.
– Wear thick gloves when capturing injured birds.
– Minimize noise and contact when confining the bird.
– Get the bird to a licensed professional promptly.
– Keep the bird warm and in a ventilated box/carrier.
– Record details to share with wildlife rehabbers.
When Rehabilitation May Not be Possible
In some sad cases, an injured or ill bird may be beyond help. Signs a bird may not be rehabilitatable include:
– Severe head trauma or heavy bleeding
– Bones protruding from wings or legs
– Very emaciated and weak
– Inability to eat or drink on their own
– Neurologic impairment or seizures
If a rehabber evaluates the bird and determines its chances of survival and recovery are extremely low, euthanasia may be recommended. This difficult decision is sometimes the most humane option.
You may also come across deceased birds that are clearly beyond help. While upsetting, do not touch the body as birds can carry diseases transmittable to humans even after death.
Helping Grounded Birds as a Concerned Citizen
Here are key takeaways to remember when coming across grounded birds in need as a good Samaritan:
- Await clear signs of injury/illness before intervening with fledglings.
- Use humane capture and restraint methods.
- Provide appropriate temporary housing while seeking help.
- Get the bird to licensed wildlife rehabilitators promptly.
- Document details to share with rehab staff.
- Avoid any risky amateur treatment attempts.
Taking these steps can give the bird the best chance of recovery and return to the wild where they belong. Being conscious and considerate of wildlife in our communities makes the environment better for all inhabitants.
Professional Avian Rescue and Rehab
Now that we’ve covered initial civilian response to grounded birds, let’s discuss professional rehabilitators and the amazing work they do. Animal rescue centers with avian expertise have the proper training, facilities, and resources to give sick or injured wild birds a true chance of recovery.
Here are some key ways licensed rehabilitators help grounded birds:
| Evaluation | Diagnostics and Treatment | Rehab and Release |
|---|---|---|
| Complete physical exam checking vitals, condition, injuries, etc. | Blood work, X-rays, medications, fluid therapy as needed | Returning to flight strength in special aviaries |
| Assess ability to eat, drink, perch, fly, etc. | Soft tissue surgery, wound care, infection management | Releasing when restored to full health and flight |
| Testing for lead/toxin exposure, parasites | Stabilizing fractures, physical therapy | Continued monitoring after release if needed |
Rehabbers have established relationships with avian veterinarians to provide specialized medical treatment. For more severe injuries and illnesses, initial stabilization and supportive care can mean the difference between life and death.
Facilities and Equipment for Optimal Care
Fully equipped wildlife centers designed specifically for healing sick or injured birds include:
– Custom enclosures appropriate for each species
– Proper heat/lighting and ventilation
– Rx diets for nutritional rehabilitation
– Caging that prevents further injury
– On-site lab work and diagnostics
– Surgical suites and anesthesia capabilities
– Fledgling aviaries for regaining flight strength
– Quarantine areas to prevent disease spread
– Outdoor releases once rehabbed
These specialized facilities allow rehabilitators to provide medical care and housing optimized for wild birds to recuperate fully before returning to their natural environment.
Species-Specific Rehabilitation Approaches
Responsible rehab centers know that different bird species have diverse needs. Rehab is tailored based on:
– Size – From hummingbirds to eagles, appropriate housing is required.
– Diet – Seed-eaters, insectivores, raptors, and others need specific food.
– Social factors – Solitary vs flocking birds are housed accordingly.
– Enrichment needs – Mental stimulation via toys, baths, training.
– Handling methods – Rehabbers are trained in safe restrain techniques.
A one-size-fits-all approach typically fails birds in rehabilitation. Custom care produces the best outcome.
Staged Return to the Wild
The end goal of avian rescue is returning the bird to its natural habitat once recovery is complete. This process includes:
– Transition to outdoor aviaries/cages.
– Muscle strengthening to rebuild flight skills.
– Water therapy to test waterproofing of feathers.
– Foraging exercises with live prey items.
– Slow introduction to environmental elements (wind, vegetation, etc).
– Soft release allowing the bird to leave the cage on its own.
Close monitoring after release allows rehabbers to ensure the bird is thriving back in the wild.
Public Awareness Saves Bird Lives
Increased public understanding of what to do when encountering a grounded bird truly makes a difference. A kind samaritan performing initial rescue steps, then transporting the bird to licensed rehabilitators can give that animal a fighting chance.
Spreading information about proper care, capture, and restraint empowers more citizens to take effective action if they find a bird in need. Outreach about the dedicated work performed by wildlife rehabbers also boosts community engagement and support.
It takes a compassionate, informed public working together with trained animal rescue professionals to give sick, injured, and orphaned wild birds their best opportunity to once again soar free.
Conclusion
Coming across a grounded bird can be emotionally moving, provoking natural instincts to immediately render aid. However, well-meaning interventions may inadvertently do more harm than good if proper steps are not taken. Following the guidance covered in this article can set injured birds on the path to recovery. The most crucial element is quickly transferring the bird to licensed wildlife rehabilitators or avian veterinarians capable of professional diagnostics and treatment. With appropriate care from trained experts, many grounded birds can fully mend their broken wings and fly once again!
