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: 
-
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.
-
Try
to find the nest.
-
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.
-
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:
-
Observe
the young bird where found to
decide if the
baby actually needs help.
-
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.
-
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:
-
Gently
pick it up with a cloth or towel.
-
Place
it in a box with a lid to keep it dark.
-
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").
-
Do
not give it food or water. For further
instructions on injured birds, these persons may be called in the
sequence shown:
Marilyn Hayes - Cell (509) 521-4648
Michelle Caron - Cell (509) 366-0888
Laurel McKeehan - Cell (509) 366-5777
Blue Mountain Wildlife at
Blue Mountain Wildlife
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 wildlife 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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