Found an injured, orphaned or sick wild bird?
This webpage includes information on who to contact and what to do if you find a bird:
- General contact
- Songbird,
-
Waterbird/Precocial,
-
Raptor (hawks & owls);
- Additional contacts,
including for domestic bird;
- Why wild
animals should not be kept as pets!
General Contact: WCA
at (916) 965-WILD
Songbirds: Contact WCA at (916) 965-WILD
Featherless/newly
hatched (Hatchling) Birds: If the bird is not injured, locate the
nest and place the young one back in it. Birds are unable to detect your
scent on their young and after you leave they will quickly forget your
intrusion. Be sure to place the bird in the correct nest (as parents may
toss out unfamiliar babies).
If the hatchlings are injured, have had contact with a cat or dog,
one/both of the parents have been confirmed missing, and/or you cannot
place the young bird back in the nest, call a wildlife rehabilitator
immediately. If they are cold, warm them in your hands, then place in a
small covered box on a heating pad set to low. DO NOT feed or give
water.
Waterbirds & Other Precocials: Contact WCA at (916) 965-WILD
Downy/Incompletely
Feathered (Nestling) Birds: These are older birds, not quite ready
to fly. Find the nest and place the young back in it. If you are unable
to find the nest the bird should be taken to a rehabilitator as soon as
possible. If the bird is replaced in the nest, watch to see that the
parent bird returns. If the parent does not return, the nestling is
injured, have had contact with a cat or dog, and/or you cannot place the
young bird back in the nest, call a wildlife rehabilitator immediately.
Fully
Feathered (Fledglings) Birds: These birds are completely feathered,
can hop about, and may be able to flutter or fly short distances. Leave
them alone unless they are being attacked by a dog or cat. This stage of
life is a natural part of a bird's training and development. The parents
keep track of their young, protect them, and feed them. They should be
left on he ground (to be fed and protected by their parents) unless they
are injured or in imminent danger.
Waterbirds & Other Precocials: Contact WCA at (916) 965-WILD
Young
Precocial Birds: have the unique ability to walk, eat and follow
their parents soon after hatching. The mother will protect and guide
them, show them food sources, and keep them warm. If you see a baby like
this running around, leave it alone and watch from a window. Keep
children and pet animals away. If the parent is nearby, it will give a
specific call and the baby will hide until the parent can collect the
young one when it feels it is safe.
If
after an hour of continual watching no parent has been seen, the bird
should be taken to a wildlife rehabilitator. Baby ducks should never be
placed in water as they cannot waterproof themself and will quickly
drown or freeze.
Safety
FIRST: Even when very young or severely injured, raptors are very
capable of protecting and will attempt to defend themselves. The talons
(or claws) are their primary defense and are more dangerous than their
beaks. To capture a raptor, a solid net or gloves work best. If this is
not possible, use a towel, blanket, jacket other light weight item,
which can completely cover the bird.
Nestling
raptors should be replaced in nests whenever possible. If this is not
possible or the young raptor is injured, has had contact with a dog or
cat, or one/both of the parents have been confirmed to be missing, call
a rehabilitator immediately!
Fledglings are on the ground as they learn to fly. They are fed
and protected by the parents. They should be left on he ground (to be
fed and protected by their parents) unless they are injured or in
imminent danger.
Reptiles & Amphibians: Contact WCA at (916) 965-WILD
General
Information: Since our local reptiles and amphibians are never
nurtured by their parents, they cannot be considered orphaned - even if
very small. We provide for the care of injured reptiles and amphibians.
Snakes are beneficial: All snakes are beneficial for the control
of rodent populations and should be allowed to do their job. Keeping
your yard clear of debris piles and brush will reduce habitat for snakes
and the rodents they feed upon.
Our
only venomous reptile in this area is the rattlesnake (see the
picture to the right). These can be identified by their large
diamond-shaped heads and the presence of a rattle on the tip of the tail
(not always present). If you are in question of the species or believe
you have found a raddlesnake, do not attempt to handle or move them
yourself. Many snakes will leave the area if given the opportunity. They
are as afraid of humans, as many humans are of them.
Who else to contact:
For nuisance or dead wildlife, call your local animal control or fish
and game.
For parrots and other
domestic birds, contact
the Companion Parrot Connection (http://www.parrotconnection.org/)
or Mickaboo (http://www.mickaboo.org/).
WCA does not trap or relocate nuisance animals!
Wild Animals
should NEVER be kept as pets! Please do not attempt to raise or keep
animals, including wild birds. When young, they need specialized diets,
will develop bone problems or get very sick if fed incorrectly. Young
birds need to be raised with their own kind to be successfully released.
Even if raised from a young bird, adult birds will damage their feathers
in wire cages and will often die of stress. Wild animals NEVER make good
pets!
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