After-Hour Assistance and General Information

 

How to help the bird you have found...

If you have found a bird in need of assistance and/or medical attention, take a moment and read through this page to determine the best plan of action to help the bird. If you have already been advised by your wildlife officer to bring it to the Sanctuary please contact the Ohio Bird Sanctuary in advance at 419-884-HAWK(4295). (Open hours are Tues-Saturday 10am-4pm & Sunday 12-4pm)

Do not contact the Sanctuary by Facebook if you have an injured/orphaned bird, this page is not monitored regularly by bird care staff.

If you call before or after our business hours, please leave a voicemail and one of our staff will return your call on next business day. If you need immediate assistance email: ohiobirdcare@gmail.com and someone will respond as soon possible.

All native birds are protected by state and federal laws. It is legal for you to rescue the bird with intent of transport to a licensed rehabilitation facility. It is not legal for you to possess a bird or other native wild animal for longer than 24 hours. 

 

NOTE: If you have a question about a mammal or waterfowl, click on this link for information and to find assistance. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE

STEP #1  Does the bird need help?

If the bird is in need of help, it might :

• Fallen from nest
• Attacked by domestic pet
• Struck by vehicle
• Have a drooping or dragging wing or leg, and/or other obvious injuries.ave obvious injury
• Only be able to do short, hopping flights.
• Be unable to stand.
• Not attempt to move away if you approach it. 

If the bird is difficult to catch, this is usually a good sign that the bird does not need help. If you are not sure if the bird needs help, please call us and we can help you determine what to do before attempting to capture and possibly endanger yourself or the bird.

STEP #2  If the bird is perceived to be orphaned....

Altricial birds (example: songbirds)  and partial altrical (example:raptors) birds have three main stages in development. Nestling, Fledgling/ Brancher and Juvenile.

NESTLINGS: A bird that is dependent on its parents for warm and nutrition a requires a nest structure for support.

If the baby bird does not have feathers yet or only has feathers on parts of its body, first attempt to find the nest that the baby may have fallen from.

Nestling Screech-Owls

If you are able to locate the nest, return the baby bird to it. Birds do not have a well-developed sense of smell and the parents will return to care for the baby even though you have handled it.

If you cannot find or reach the nest, or if the bird is obviously in need of help, please place the bird in a nest-like structure (such as a bowl or cup lined with paper towels) in a cardboard box and keep in a quiet, dark location.  Contact the Sanctuary as soon as possible; time is an important factor. Baby birds who do not have feathers need to be kept warm using a heating pad.  If the bird must stay overnight with you, please contact the Sanctuary for further instructions. Do not give food or water unless advised by a staff member.

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Fledgling Cedar Waxwing

BRANCHER OF FLEDGLING: During the spring and summer, when many baby birds are leaving the nest and figuring out life as a bird, a bird may be on the ground but not in need of help. Fledgling birds who have left the nest are still learning to fly and may only do short, hopping flights. These babies have all of their feathers. Unless you see blood or an obvious injury, or the bird is in immediate danger, please leave it alone. Although these babies are spending most of their time on the ground, their parents are still feeding and caring for them. Again, if you are concerned but are not sure if the bird needs rescued, please call us.

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Fledgling Red-tailed Hawk

JUVENILE: During this phase of development the bird is capable of flight but still being provided food by the parent. These birds do not need rescued unless an obvious injury or illness is suspected. 

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STEP #3  How to rescue the bird

Once you have determined that the bird does need help, you will need to capture it. The technique with vary by species and individual situations. When possible contact the Sanctuary first before attempting to rescue.

During regular business hours call 419-884-4295. After business hours email ohiobirdcare@gmail.com 

 

If it is a raptor:

A raptor has a hooked beak and sharp, curved talons.  Examples include hawks, owls, and eagles.

A raptor will typically roll onto its back and try to strike with its feet.  Throw a large, heavy blanket or towel over the feet and head scoop the bird into a cardboard box or crate. Do not allow the bird to grab you with its feet.  Heavy gloves are advised.   

PLEASE NOTE: Until you can make arrangements to bring the bird to OBS, please keep the bird in the box in a quiet, dark location.  Do not give food or water unless advised by a staff member. (Exception: If the bird is a hummingbird, you may offer it a sugar water solution (1 part sugar to 4 parts water). These birds have very fast metabolisms and need to eat every 20-30 minutes.