Did You Find a Bird?
Below is a flow chart to guide you through some common concerns. If you need help now, or if you aren't sure what to do, call us! If it's after-hours, we do have a drop box at our Avian Hospital Entrance. Hospital staff is present until 6:30pm.
Lines open 9am-4pm: 941-388-3010
Start Here
The bird in question will need to come in ASAP if...
• Cannot fly away from you
• Has not recovered after window strike
• Is stumbling like it's drunk
• Cannot stand
• Was just hit by a car or boat
• Was attacked by a pet or wild animal
• Ingested a hook
• Is actively bleeding
Rescue Quick Tips
• Do NOT give the bird food or water
• When possible, contain the bird in a dark, quiet place away from children, other animals, and drafts during transport or while awaiting help
• Wash your hands before and after handling a bird
• Do not use a towel or linen with large loops or threads - this will create a risk for entanglement and cause further damage
Fishing Entanglements:
• If a bird has been hooked on your line, do NOT cut the line. Gently and slowly reel the bird in so you can either remove the hook, or contain the bird until help arrives. If a hook was ingested, keep the line as long as possible and secure to upper part of beak with tape or a gentle knot to keep the hook from traveling further.
Remember: Rescuing a bird never presents perfect scenarios. Not every bit of advice can be applied in every situation. You weren't expecting to stumble upon a bird in need, so you probably didn't have your handy dandy magic rescue kit on you, did you? Use your best judgement, and do as much as you can given the circumstances at hand. Take a deep breath and respond calmly.
Baby Bird Flow Chart
There are a lot of myths about baby birds, and depending on their stage of life, require different handling. Use this diagram to guide you through your best next steps. Call us if you need further assistance!
Step 1: Check for urgent medical needs
If any of these things are true, call us to arrange for a drop off or rescue transport:
• The bird is bleeding or has an open wound
• The bird has been in a dog, cat, or other animal's mouth
• It is covered in fly eggs (these look like small grains of rice)
• Its parents cannot be located
• The bird has a broken bone
If none of these apply, continue to Step 2.
Step 2: Identify the bird's stage of life
Knowing whether the bird is a hatchling, nestling, or fledgling will help us prepare the right care. Try to note its stage before moving on to Step 3.
Hatchling
almost naked to fully naked
Nestling
fuzz and some feathers in sheathes
Fledgling
mostly feathered with some sheathes
Step 3: Locate its parents
Many “abandoned” birds are actually being monitored from a distance. Step back and give the parents time to return.
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Hatchlings and nestlings must be renested — they are too young to survive outside the nest.
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Fledglings usually spend time on the ground as they learn to fly and feed themselves. Their parents are still caring for them during this stage, which typically lasts 2–3 weeks.
If you see a predator nearby, or if you are unsure whether the bird is safe, call us for guidance. Each case is unique.
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Hatchlings and nestlings need to be renested - they are not ready to live outside of the nest yet. Fledglings do not need to return to a nest - they are in a stage of life where they are usually on the ground, but they are learning to fly, and learning to fend for themselves. Their parents are still caring for them. This stage lasts for 2-3 weeks, typically. If you see a predator in the area, it may be best for the bird to come in, but each case is unique. Call us if you aren't sure.
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If you found its parents continue to Step 4.
If you did not find its parents, call us to arrange for for a drop off or rescue transport.
A downed nest after a windy night:
Nestling
This little one and its nest fell to the ground
Parents
After checking the area, the parents were located
Step 4: Locate the nest
Look up for the original nest or a safe nearby location.
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If you found its nest and it is safe for you to do so, renest the baby bird.
If you did not find its nest, continue to Step 5.
Step 5: Construct a new nest for the baby bird
Ideally a new nest should be placed no more than 20' from where you found it.​ The key to constructing a new nest is selecting a container and filling that will allow for drainage. Here are some common items that can be used:
Container
• Woven baskets
• Retired colanders/bowls with holes
• Bike helmets
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Filling
• Reuse previous nest material if possible
• Natural materials nearby
Place the nest above eye level in a shaded, protected spot. Choose a location that is out of direct sunlight, away from busy walkways, and secure enough that the nest won’t be disturbed by wind or rain.
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If you were able to renest the baby bird - congratulations! You just helped save a baby bird! Keep eyes on it from a distance to ensure the parents return.
If you were not able to renest the baby bird, or the parents did not return, the baby bird will need to come in to our hospital - call us to arrange for for a drop off or rescue transport.
Examples of successful nest construction:
Woven Basket Nest
Using original nesting material and placing it in a woven basket creates a familiar space with ample drainage
Hanging Planter Nest
Collecting natural materials and placing them on a soft linen helps build comfort while still allowing for drainage through the planter.
If you need help now, or if you aren't sure what to do, call us! If it's after-hours, we do have a drop box at our Avian Hospital Entrance. Hospital staff is present until 6:30pm.
Lines open 9am-4pm: 941-388-3010