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What to Do With an Orphaned
or Injured Bird
In nature, young animals sometimes become separated from their parents
and need help. In many cases when baby birds appear "orphaned," they
actually are being well cared for. Over 75% of young animals that are
rescued by well-intentioned people do not need help.
If you find a baby bird not yet covered with feathers that is
out of its nest: 
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If the baby is warm, alert/responsive, and uninjured,
try to return it to the parents. Watch for adults making noise or
protecting the young bird.
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Try to find the nest.
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If you can’t find the nest or the nest has fallen,
fill a plastic hanging flower pot (with drain holes) with fine straw.
Make a shallow hollow to place the nest in and hang it in approximately
the same place as the original nest.
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Make sure the adults are returning to the nest.
Juvenile Cooper's Hawk (photo courtesy of Blue
Mountain Wildlife)
If you find a fully feathered baby bird out of its
nest:
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Observe the young bird where found to decide if the
baby actually needs help.
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If it is hopping around and is alert and responsive,
it has probably reached the fledgling age when it is practicing its
flying and foraging skills.
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Confine any cats, dogs, and children, and place the
baby bird in a safer area if necessary (up on some branches in shrubs
or trees). Hopefully the adults will return to the fledgling.
If you find a truly orphaned or injured bird:
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Gently pick it up with a cloth or towel.
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Place it in a box with a lid to keep it dark.
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Keep it in a warm and quiet place (the body should be
very warm to the touch). You may have to supply supplemental heat by
using a hot water bottle or heating pad (on "low").
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Do not give it food or water. For further instructions
on injured birds, these persons may be called in the sequence shown:
Michelle Caron - Cell (509) 366-0888
Marilyn Hayes - Cell (509) 521-4648
Suzanne Baird - Cell (509) 460-2434
Blue Mountain Wildlife at
http://www.bluemountainwildlife.org
These persons will assist under Blue Mountain
Wildlife's permits.
Always keep in mind that it is illegal to harass, harm or possess
wildlife. Enjoy observing wild life in
their natural surroundings from a safe distance, for their sake and for
yours.
Lynn Thompkins of Blue Mountain Wildlife
Rehabilitation and Molly Lynville prepare an American Kestral for
release
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