Avian Rescue

SCWR’s Avian Team continues to expand as it cares for more than 500 songbirds and raptors (birds of prey) annually. .  If you have found an injured bird, call our hotline 707-526-WILD (9453).  If you found a baby bird, please read "How can you tell if an animal needs rescue" (below) before calling. Our  trained hotline volunteer will ensure your call is routed to our expert avian team immediately.

You Found a Bird In Need of Help, Now What?

How Can You Tell if an Animal Needs Rescue

How can you tell if an animal needs your help or should be left alone? Here are some general signs to look for:

  • A wild animal is presented to you by a cat or dog
  • Bleeding
  • An apparent or obvious broken limb
  • A featherless or nearly featherless bird (nestling) on the ground
  • Shivering
  • Evidence of a dead parent nearby

Spotting a baby animal by itself doesn't necessarily mean it's an orphan. Many wildlife parents leave their young alone during the day, sometimes for long periods. The parent is usually nearby and quite conscious of her young. Also, keep in mind that despite their small size, many young animals are actually independent enough to fend for themselves.If a wild animal exhibits any of the above signs, you should immediately call our hotline 707-526-WILD (9453).

Minimize Stress!

All birds are easily traumatized, but especially adult birds. When sufficiently frightened, a bird's brain releases certain enzymes that shuts down living functions - permanently.   DO NOT HANDLE THE BIRDS, OR LOOK AT THEM ANY MORE THAN IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. STRESS KILLS!

I Found a Baby Bird

Newly-hatched, naked and partially feathered nestlings need to be kept warm. It is difficult to keep them warm enough to survive, but not too warm. Their parents brood them at about 93 degrees . Birds should always be able to escape from their heat source if too warm. Make every effort to transport young birds to one of our wildlife rehabilitators immediately. Nesting/Fledgling Songbirds: If you find a baby songbird hopping around the yard, it is probably not injured, even if it doesn't appear to be flying well. Fledgling birds are like toddlers: they can hop and fly a little bit, but they need a few days to develop their skills. Parent birds continue to feed and look after these fledglings for up to two months, so it is important to leave these babies with their parents. The parents teach the babies how to forage for food and recognize dangers during this time. If the fledgling has been attacked by a cat or dog, or it appears injured, it should be put into a paper bag or box with ventilation holes and contact us immediately. Unfeathered or partially feathered nestling bird that has fallen from the nest: The best thing to do is to try to put it back into the nest. If an entire nest has blown out of a tree, the nest and babies can be put back up in the tree. Parent birds will not reject their young just because they were handled by humans. If you can't return the baby bird to its nest, make an artificial nest out of a small margarine tub (poke drainage holes in the bottom), strawberry basket or box lined with natural materials, such as dried grasses, pine needles or small twigs. Watch from a distance to ensure the parents have returned to care for the bird, or check for fresh droppings in the nest as a sign they are being fed. If the bird is cold or seems injured, or if you need assistance, contact us immediately. It is critical that young songbirds be given to an expert immediately, because they must be fed every 20-30 minutes from sunrise to sunset. This must ONLY be done by an experienced avian caregiver. Inexperienced persons are more likely to cause serious problems.For more info. on what to do if you've found a baby bird, click here. For advice on preparing a box for the bird, click here

I Found an Adult Bird

Unlike baby birds that will gape for food from anyone, adult birds are very frightened of people! The best way to help an injured adult bird is to prepare a box (before capturing the bird if possible) by placing ventilation holes in the top of the box and placing a towel or paper towels on the bottom of the box for traction. Gently pick up the bird with a washcloth or appropriately sized towel. Place the bird in the box and put the box in a quiet room, away from extreme temperatures. Contact us immediately. If you find an injured owl or hawk, approach these animals with great caution. Do not attempt to pick up the bird as their talons and beaks can be dangerous. Call your local wildlife rehabilitation, animal control, or State wildlife agency for assistance. Wild animals, just like family pets, need professional care when they are sick or injured. Broken bones and traumatic injuries or diseases need veterinary care. If you find an injured bird, contact us immediately.

Preparing for Transport

If you have found an injured bird, call us immediately. Although it may be tempting to try to raise or help the bird yourself, caring for birds requires special skills and facilities. It is also against the law for you to do so.The best way to contain and transport an injured wild bird is in a cardboard box with lid. The box needs to be large enough so that the bird fits comfortably in it without being cramped. Punch a few air holes in the tops and sides and put a towel on the bottom so the bird is not on a slippery surface. Small birds may be safely transported in a paper bag with ventilation holes. For larger birds, pet carriers can also be used. Provide a quiet, dark place away from children and pets for birds to rest while waiting for transport. It will help keep it calm, reduce additional stress and prevent it from causing further injury to itself. Speak quietly and do not play the radio in your car.