If you find an injured bird in Utah, there are a few options for places you can take it to receive care and rehabilitation. Wild birds are protected under federal and state laws, so it’s important to handle them properly and get them to an authorized wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible. Taking the time to rescue an injured bird and transport it to a wildlife care facility can give the bird a second chance at life.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers
There are a number of wildlife rehabilitation centers and sanctuaries throughout Utah that specialize in caring for sick, injured and orphaned birds. These facilities have the proper licenses, facilities, training and resources to provide medical treatment, housing, food and rehabilitation services to give wild birds the best chance of recovery and release back to the wild. Some options to consider include:
Tracy Aviary Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Located in Salt Lake City, Tracy Aviary operates the state’s largest wildlife rehabilitation program. They accept a wide variety of injured, ill and orphaned birds including raptors, waterfowl, corvids, doves and songbirds.
Address: 589 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Phone: (801) 596-8500
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab has an aviary and raptor facility that cares for injured birds of prey such as hawks, eagles, falcons and owls. They work closely with the Southern Utah Wild Rehab wildlife rehabilitation center.
Address: 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, UT 84741
Phone: (435) 644-2001
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Northern Utah
This Ogden-based center rehabilitates all types of native Utah wildlife, including a variety of bird species. They have flight cages, incubation and hand-feeding capabilities for orphaned birds.
Address: 955 N 900 W, Ogden, UT 84404
Phone: (801) 814-7888
Southwestern Wildlife Rehabilitation Foundation
Located in Ephraim, this facility provides rehabilitation services for injured and orphaned birds. They have the capacity to care for raptors, waterfowl, songbirds and other avian species.
Address: 287 S 800 W, Ephraim, UT 84627
Phone: (435) 283-2333
Wild Aware Utah Wildlife Rehabilitation
This wildlife rehabilitation facility takes in multiple types of injured and orphaned wildlife, including many different bird species. They have the capabilities to treat, raise, feed and release various birds.
Address: 363 W Jurassic Way #6, Cedar City, UT 84720
Phone: (435) 867-1957
Other Authorized Facilities
In addition to these primary rehabilitation centers, there are some veterinary clinics, nature centers, zoos and other facilities around Utah that have wildlife rehabilitators on staff who are permitted to care for injured wild birds. Be sure to call ahead to confirm they can take the specific species of bird you have found and arrange for proper drop off.
How to Capture an Injured Bird
If you come across a bird that is clearly injured or orphaned and in need of help, here are some tips on how to safely capture it and contain it for transport to a wildlife rehab facility:
– Wear thick gloves to protect your hands fromtalons or bites. Birds may lash out when in pain.
– Approach the bird slowly and quietly to not startle it. Use a towel, blanket or box to gently throw over the bird to contain it.
– Scoop up the contained bird gently avoiding excess movement of any injured areas. Put it in a ventilated box or carrier.
– Keep the bird in a warm, dark, quiet space to reduce stress.
– Do not try to feed the bird or give it water. This can cause further injury.
– Call ahead to the rehabilitation facility so they are expecting you and can advise on proper care in transit.
– Transport the bird as soon as possible. Keep the radio off and drive carefully.
– Follow all instructions from the rehab facility on transferring the bird into their care. Provide details on where and how you found the bird.
Common Wild Bird Injuries and Illnesses in Utah
Some of the most common reasons wild birds require rehabilitation include:
Orphaned Nestlings
Baby birds that have fallen from nests or been separated from parents often need specialized care including temperature regulation, proper diet and feeding techniques. Nestlings should be kept warm during transport.
Broken Bones
Birds that collide with windows, cars, walls or other structures may suffer broken wings, legs, beaks or other bones. Stabilizing and setting fractures requires avian veterinary expertise.
Concussions
Birds that fly into stationary objects may suffer head trauma or concussions. Symptoms like disorientation, inability to fly or stand must be addressed by rehab experts.
Poisoning
Birds that consume pesticides, oil, antifreeze or other chemicals may get extremely ill. Inducing vomiting and administering activated charcoal can treat some poisonings.
Gunshot Wounds
Birds struck by bullets face serious tissue and bone damage. Gunshot injuries require careful extraction of bullet fragments and stabilization.
Oil Contamination
Birds covered in oil or other petroleum products can suffer hypothermia, dehydration and toxicity. Rehabilitators use dish soap to carefully de-oil feathers.
Emaciation
Birds that cannot find enough food due to injury, illness or environmental factors may be extremely underweight and weak. Nutritional rehabilitation and gradual weight gain are imperative.
Infections
Lacerations, puncture wounds and open fractures put birds at risk of secondary bacterial or fungal infections. Antibiotics, antifungals and wound care can treat these.
How Rehabilitation Centers Care for Bird Patients
Wildlife rehabilitators have specialized knowledge, training and facilities for properly caring for injured and ill birds, including:
Enclosures
Climate-controlled indoor enclosures and outdoor aviaries provide safe housing for birds during rehabilitation. Some can accommodate free flight as birds regain strength.
Diagnostic Testing
X-rays, bloodwork, fecal tests and other diagnostics are used to determine underlying causes and best treatment plans.
Veterinary Care
Rehab centers have veterinarians on staff or work closely with avian vets. Birds receive appropriate medical and surgical treatments.
Supportive Care
Providing nutritional support, maintaining ideal temperatures, monitoring weights and administering medications helps bird patients stabilize and heal.
Species-Specific Diets
Birds are fed appropriate diets during care, including specific seeds, fruits, rodents, fish and other food items depending on species.
Flight Conditioning
Before release, rehabilitators ensure birds can fly properly, forage naturally and demonstrate wild survival instincts again.
Release Sites
Birds are returned to suitable habitats where their species naturally lives and thrives after rehabilitation.
Can I Provide At-Home Care for an Injured Bird?
It is usually best to transport injured birds to licensed wildlife rehabilitators as soon as possible. However, you may need to temporarily stabilize a bird and provide basic at-home care while arranging transport to a facility. Here are some tips:
– Line a ventilated box or carrier with a soft cloth and place the bird inside. Keep in a warm, quiet space.
– Do not give the bird food or water, as this can cause aspiration pneumonia.
– Avoid handling the bird. If bleeding, you can apply light pressure with a clean cloth or gauze.
– Monitor the bird from outside the carrier to avoid excess stress.
– Call rehab facilities to find the closest authorized location that can provide proper long-term rehabilitation care.
– Transport the bird for professional care as soon as practical.
– Never attempt to keep injured wild birds permanently as pets. This is illegal under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Signs a Bird Needs Emergency Care
Look for the following signs that indicate a bird needs immediate emergency transport to a wildlife rehabilitator:
– Bleeding from wounds, eyes, beak or mouth
-Unable to stand or hold head up
-Shivering due to hypothermia
-Damage to the beak preventing feeding
-Clear broken bones or severed limb
-Difficulty breathing or respiratory distress
-Profuse discharge from eyes or nostrils
-Seizures or erratic movements
-Weakness and emaciation
-Oil contamination on feathers
If a bird exhibits any of these emergency symptoms, contain it gently but quickly and get it to professional care right away for its best chance of survival.
Important Laws Regarding Birds and Wildlife
It is vital to follow all state and federal laws when handling injured wild birds:
Migratory Bird Treaty Act
This federal law protects over 1,000 bird species. Harming or possessing migratory birds or their parts (like feathers) is illegal without permits. Fines up to $250,000 can be imposed.
Utah Wildlife Code
Utah makes it illegal to take, possess, transport, sell, or purchase protected wildlife like birds without authorization from the Division of Wildlife Resources.
Permits
Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators with state and federal permits can legally treat and rehabilitate wild birds long-term. Unpermitted individuals can provide emergency stabilization and transport.
Endangered Species
Extra protections apply to federally listed endangered or threatened species like condors or sage grouse. Only experts should handle these birds.
Reporting
Every rehabilitated bird is reported to state wildlife agencies. Individuals must surrender found protected birds – you cannot keep them.
Following wildlife laws ensures bird rehabilitation practices are ethical, sustainable and support healthy ecosystems.
When to Assume a Bird is Beyond Help
While many injured birds can recover with prompt rehabilitation, some traumas are too severe to be treated. If a bird exhibits the following, rehabilitation will unfortunately not be successful:
– Major skull/beak damage making eating impossible
– Massive head trauma or severe neurological impairment
– Total paralysis or loss of both eyes
– Major ruptured organs or severe internal bleeding
– Severe emaciation and muscle wasting
– Serious burns over large proportion of body
– Significant fragmentation of bone
– End stage infections unresponsive to medications
– End stage terminal hereditary conditions
– Severe maggot infestations
In dire cases where euthanasia is the only humane option, an experienced rehabilitator or veterinarian can humanely euthanize the bird to prevent further suffering.
Preventing Bird Injuries
While rehabilitation can help individual birds, the ideal solution is preventing injuries and illness in the first place through wildlife-friendly practices:
Reduce Collisions
– Put bird deterrents on windows
– Close blinds/curtains to reduce reflections
– Turn off unnecessary lights at night
Keep Cats Indoors
Cats kill billions of wild birds each year – keep them inside.
Drive Carefully
Watch for birds near roadsides and slow down to avoid collisions.
Dispose of Litter Properly
Discarded fishing gear and trash can entangle birds – dispose of debris responsibly.
Practice Safe Pest Control
Use bird-safe methods and avoid pesticides that can sicken birds.
Provide Habitat
Plant native vegetation and keep dead trees to create healthy bird environments.
Conclusion
If you find an injured or orphaned bird in Utah, don’t hesitate to help. With appropriate first aid and quick transport to authorized wildlife rehabilitators, many birds can fully recover and be returned to the wild. Facilities across the state specialize in medical treatment, supportive care and rehabilitation that gives birds a second chance. With some basic emergency measures, you can help give an injured bird the best opportunity for release back into its natural habitat. Respecting wildlife laws and supporting rehabilitation efforts allows us to positively co-exist with Utah’s diverse, beautiful bird species.
