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Step 1
You should not attempt to become the parent and raise the injured bird at home on your own. You will not likely be able to save the bird. In addition, this can be against the law in some areas.
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Step 2
If the bird is a baby with feathers and is hopping around on the ground, do not touch it! Leave it alone. It is normal for young birds not to be able to fly when they leave the nest for the first time.
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Step 3
If the bird is naked or covered in down, try to place the bird back in its nest, which is likely nearby in a bush or shrub. Wrap the bird in a washcloth so as not to touch it and gently place it back in the nest.
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Step 4
If the bird flew into your window and is just sitting on the ground, leave it alone! It is probably just stunned and will fly away when it regains it senses.
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Step 5
If all else fails, contact your local nature preserve or animal control department. This way the bird can be cared for by a professional who is trained and licensed to do so.
Comments
kateco said
on 9/4/2009 I can remember a few occasions when this came up with kids finding a bird. It's good to know what to do.
rozygal said
on 9/4/2009 good points - thanks!
txconejo said
on 8/31/2009 Thanks for the tips. We just keep the cats in and they almost fly away on their own. We have a good vet in town that takes injured birds and you just make a small donation. They either rehabilitate or euthanize if they have to; but they love the birds and do what they can.
deepthinkin said
on 8/31/2009 Smart tips! I once had a baby crow in my yard - I thought it was gravely injured when I saw all the blood and raced around town looking for a vet that would treat the bird. Turned out it only broke a blood feather and there was no real harm done. You should have heard the baby crow's relatives squawking and circling the house looking for their little guy. Lesson - leave the crow alone, it's relatives will take care of it.
sway2513 said
on 8/28/2009 very interesting!