Does this bird need my help?

Every spring we are flooded with calls concerning young birds out of the nest. It is human nature to want to help. A young flightless bird hopping on the ground seems to be helpless but this is a natural stage in their development. They may need protection from domestic animals but rarely need us to "rescue" them. The following article will help you evaluate whether a young bird needs human intervention and what to do if you find an injured bird.

NESTLING: a nestling is the first stage of an altricial bird's life. They are featherless, unable to regulate their own body temperature, unable to perch and require a nest structure to support their bodies. If you find a young bird that fits this description they need to be placed back into their original nest or brought to a licensed rehabilitator. (Birds do not have a developed sense of smell and they will not abandon their young because of human touch). It is important to keep these young birds warm (90 degrees). Each species has specific dietary needs. Do not feed nestling birds milk, bread or whole worms. It is better to not feed than to feed them something that could be harmful.

BRANCHERS: Brancher or fledgling is the second stage of an altricial bird's life. At this stage the young bird has feathers, its wings and tail are short and it is able to perch and hop. These birds no longer live in the nest and their begging cries will draw their parents to their location for feedings. At this stage, these birds do not need human intervention. The best assistance for these birds at this stage is to protect them from domestic animals by restricting the animal from the area for a few days or by placing the brancher in a bush or on a low branch in a tree.

(Many rehabilitation facilities, including the Bird Sanctuary, will not accept the European Starling and English sparrow. These two species are not native to North America and the over population and aggressive behaviors of these birds have displaced many of the native cavity nesters such Eastern Bluebird.)

Precocial birds are species that are covered with down and leave the nest within hours of hatching (duck, turkey, Killdeer etc). If you find hatchling birds of these species do not attempt to catch them. Finding these birds alone does not mean that they are abandoned. Your presence has spooked the parent. Trying to catch them will often scatter them making a reunion with the parents more difficult. Remove domestic animals and humans from the area and allow the family to reunite.

CAPTURE: if you do need to rescue a young bird place it in a small cardboard box or paper bag to protect them from draft. Nestling altricial birds will require additional heat. (If you are chasing the young bird and it is difficult to catch, this is your sign that it does not need human assistance.)

INJURED BIRDS

The first thing to consider when capturing injured wildlife is that they do not realize you are trying to help. You are viewed as a predator. They will always try to flee and strike back. The second thing to consider is that the capture, restraint and transfer is additional stress on an already compromised system.

SONGBIRDS: Most common injuries to songbirds are: struck by a car, collision with a window or attacked by a cat. An injured bird will have one or many of these characteristics; only be able to sustain hopping flight, be unable to stand, have a drooping or dragging appendage and, or obvious injuries. Do not pick the bird up with your bare hands. Even songbirds can have a nasty bite. Capture by draping light towel over the bird and using gloves place in a small box or paper bag. Avoid peering in at the bird this will only panic it. Do not give food or water unless advised by rehabilitator.

RAPTORS: Birds of prey are often injured by car strikes, collision with windows, and unfortunately leg hold traps and gun shot wounds. To evaluate if a raptors is injured or just feeding on the ground observe from a distance to watch its behavior. If it is injured it will remain still or try hopping flights. If is feeding, its wings will be outstretched (called mantling) and will be ducking down to pick at its food and quickly peering over its shoulder to see if anyone is going to challenge it for its prize. If the bird shows signs of being injured great caution to be taken in approaching the bird. Raptors have sharp talons and powerful beaks. Contact your local rehabilitator for advice on the situation.

WADING and DIVING BIRDS: Herons, grebes, coots, cormorants and loons are fish eating birds. They have sharp beaks used for catching and slicing they prey. Loons and coots are unable to walk on land. In heavy fog these birds often become disoriented and land on roadways and in open fields. If the bird has not been grounded long the best treatment is a quick trip to a large body of water. These birds will use their beaks to stab at their intruders. Great care needs to be taken when approaching any of these fish eating birds and it is best to call your rehabber for assistance.

State law protects all native wildlife and it is illegal for an unlicensed individual to provide long term care for an injured or orphaned wildlife. If you have determined that an animal needs assistance and have captured it, transfer it to a wildlife rehabilitation facility as soon as possible. Improper diet or socialization with humans can impede it chances to return to the wild. A list of licensed facilities in your area can be found by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE or by logging on to www.owra.org