I Have an Injured or Orphaned Bird

If the bird is perceived to be orphaned....

Songbirds and raptors have three main stages in development. Nestling, Fledgling, and Juvenile.

NESTLINGS: A bird that is dependent on its parents for warmth and nutrition a requires a nest structure for support.

If the baby bird does not have feathers yet or only has feathers on parts of its body, first attempt to find the nest that the baby may have fallen from. If you are able to locate the nest, return the baby bird to it. Birds do not have a well-developed sense of smell and the parents will return to care for the baby even though you have handled it.

If you cannot find or reach the nest, or if the bird is obviously in need of help, please place the bird in a nest-like structure (such as a bowl or cup lined with paper towels) in a cardboard box and keep in a quiet, dark location.  Contact the Sanctuary as soon as possible; time is an important factor. Baby birds who do not have feathers need to be kept warm using a heating pad.  If the bird must stay overnight with you, please contact the Sanctuary for further instructions. Do not give food or water unless advised by a staff member.

BRANCHER OF FLEDGLING: During the spring and summer, when many baby birds are leaving the nest and figuring out life as a bird, a bird may be on the ground but not in need of help. Fledgling birds who have left the nest are still learning to fly and may only do short, hopping flights. These babies have all of their feathers. Unless you see blood or an obvious injury, or the bird is in immediate danger, please leave it alone. Although these babies are spending most of their time on the ground, their parents are still feeding and caring for them. Again, if you are concerned but are not sure if the bird needs rescued, please call us. 

JUVENILE: During this phase of development the bird is capable of flight but still being provided food by the parent. These birds do not need rescued unless an obvious injury or illness is suspected. 

How to rescue the bird

Once you have determined that the bird does need help, you will need to capture it. The technique with vary by species and individual situations. When possible contact the Sanctuary first before attempting to rescue.

During regular business hours call 419-884-4295. After business hours email ohiobirdcare@gmail.com 

If it is a songbird:

Examples of songbirds include Blue jays, Robins, sparrows, doves, etc. Place a lightweight towel over the bird and scoop it up.  Place the bird in a cardboard box.

If it is a raptor:

A raptor has a hooked beak and sharp, curved talons.  Examples include hawks, owls, and eagles.

A raptor will typically roll onto its back and try to strike with its feet.  Throw a large, heavy blanket or towel over the feet and head scoop the bird into a cardboard box or crate. Do not allow the bird to grab you with its feet.  Heavy gloves are advised.   

PLEASE NOTE: Until you can make arrangements to bring the bird to OBS, please keep the bird in the box in a quiet, dark location.  Do not give food or water unless advised by a staff member. (Exception: If the bird is a hummingbird, you may offer it a sugar water solution (1 part sugar to 4 parts water). These birds have very fast metabolisms and need to eat every 20-30 minutes.

NOTE: We also cannot accept healthy House/English sparrows or European starlings. Both of these species are nonnative and invasive, having been brought over from Europe. If you have one that has been injured, please call the Sanctuary to talk with staff. 

English Sparrow

European Starling