Species Info

SONGBIRDS

BIRDS WITH AN OPEN WOUND OR SUSPECTED TO BE BITTEN BY A DOG OR CAT*

Any bird, no matter what age or size, that has been in the mouth of a cat or dog needs to be assessed. Place the bird in a cloth-lined box or container with a source of heat and bring the bird to us at The Rock Wildlife Rescue. **It is important not to give food or water to injured birds as they could be in shock.

BIRDS FOUND ON THE GROUND

The first thing to do if you come across a bird on the ground is determine whether the bird is a nestling or a fledgling. Most nestlings are not densely feathered and do not perch well. Let the young bird grip your finger. Is it gripping firmly? If so, it is probably a fledgling. The best thing to do is to move the bird out of harm's way by moving it to a protected area close by (like under a nearby tree or shrub) and leave it alone.

FLEDGLINGS

Many birds found on the ground in spring and summer are “fledging” - they cannot fly yet, or cannot fly strongly. As part of their normal development, at this fledgling stage, they are still dependent on their parents who typically stay close by (but out of sight), monitoring their progress, keeping them fed, and teaching them to be self-reliant. It is very important not to “birdnap” a fledgling who is not in danger. Young birds learn from their parents for quite a while after leaving the nest and we don't want to rob them of this experience.

Fledgling songbirds may look very similar to adults, but there are some indicators of a youngster:

• Shorter wing and tail feathers (adults have long, smooth feathers)
• Small fluffy pieces of visible down especially on the head and undercarriage
• Wide fleshy sides at the corners of the beak (called "gape flanges", these are absent on adults)
• Ability to hop or run and maybe even fly short distances but rarely sustained flight
• They may attempt to get away when approached (trying to go hide; while adults will fly away)
• You may see protective parents calling out or swooping

NESTLINGS

Some birds found on the ground in spring and summer are “nestlings” that have fallen out of the nest. They are not strong enough yet to spend time on the ground as fledglings and should be returned to the nest if at all possible. It is a myth that a baby bird touched by humans will be rejected by its mother. These nestlings do not yet have flight feathers and may look like they have tiny straws covering many of their feathers. These birds belong back in the nest and can not survive out on their own.

If the nest is intact and accessible, simply place the nestling(s) back into the nest. If the whole nest has fallen or been destroyed, place the nestling(s) together in a container lined with dry leaves, grass, pine needles, or the old nest itself. Poke holes into the bottom of the container for drainage, and secure it in its original location or a nearby tree. Monitor the nest from a distance to see if the parents return. If a parent does not arrive within an hour, Call or bring the nestling(s) to The Rock Wildlife Rescue.

HATCHLINGS

IF you find a Hatchling, is it important that we try to get that bird back in the nest as soon possible!

Hatchlings are not feathered (may have some fluff) and eyes are often not yet open.

These newly hatched birds can not keep themselves warm and need to be in the nest with other nestlings being cared for by the parents. If you can locate the nest and it is intact and accessible, simply place the hatchling(s) back into the nest. If the whole nest has fallen or been destroyed, place the hatchlings(s) together in a container lined with dry leaves, grass, pine needles, or the old nest itself. Poke holes into the bottom of the container for drainage, and secure it in its original location or a nearby tree. Monitor the nest from a distance to see if the parents return. If a parent does not arrive within an hour, Call or bring the nestling(s) to The Rock Wildlife Rescue.

If Hatchlings have been on the ground alone, they are in danger of hypothermia! If a hatchling is cold to the touch, they will need a heat source as soon as possible!

*You can heat up a sock full of rice in the microwave (make sure it is warm not hot) and tuck them into a container with some warm material to keep them warm while they are being dropped off to The Rock Wildlife Rescue or until pick up.

NEVER FEED OR GIVE WATER TO AN INJURED ADULT, NESTLING OR HATCHLING BIRD ! This can kill them (esp if they are cold). It is important to get these injured or orphaned birds to us as soon as possible