Helping Orphaned or Injured Wild Birds - A Guide to Making a Difference

Have you ever come across an injured or orphaned bird and felt the instant urge to help? Many of us have, but knowing the right steps to take can make all the difference in saving the life of these beautiful creatures. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore ways you can assist orphaned or injured wild birds, providing them with the care they need to thrive and return to their natural habitats.

1. Understanding the Situation

Before rushing to aid a wild bird, it is vital to assess the situation accurately. Determine whether the bird is truly injured or orphaned or if it is merely in distress. In some cases, parents may leave their young ones unattended for extended periods, so keeping a watchful eye without intervening unnecessarily is crucial.

Look for signs of obvious injuries such as bleeding, broken wings or legs, or visible trauma. If the bird appears young and out of its nest, observe from a distance for a while to see if the parents return to care for it. If the parents do not come back within a reasonable amount of time, it may be time to step in.

Helping Orphaned or Injured Wild Birds: Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletin A-210 (Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin)

by Diane Scarazzini(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	483 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	32 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

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2. Reuniting the Bird with Its Parents

If you find a young bird out of its nest but uninjured, the best course of action is often to try to reunite it with its parents. Create a makeshift nest using a small box lined with soft material and place it in a safe and elevated spot nearby. Observe from a distance for several hours to see if the parents return to feed and care for their offspring. Providing food or water during this process is not recommended, as it may cause more harm than good.

3. Providing Temporary Shelter

If the bird is truly orphaned or injured, it will require temporary shelter until you can transfer it to a wildlife rehabilitation center. Prepare a suitable enclosure by using a large box or a cage with enough space for the bird to move around comfortably. Line the enclosure with soft, clean bedding material such as towels or paper towels, ensuring it is changed regularly to maintain cleanliness.

Place the enclosure in a quiet area away from direct sunlight, drafts, and excessive noise. Wild birds can get stressed easily, so providing a calm and quiet environment is essential for their well-being.

4. Feeding and Hydrating the Bird

Proper nutrition is crucial for the recovery of an orphaned or injured wild bird. However, it is essential to note that feeding them an incorrect diet can be harmful or even fatal. Different bird species have unique dietary needs, so it is essential to research and provide the appropriate food for the bird in your care.

Commercially available formulas specifically designed for orphaned birds can be used, or you can consult with a local wildlife rehabilitator for guidance. Clean and fresh water should be accessible at all times, provided in a shallow dish to prevent drowning accidents.

5. Contacting a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

Wild birds require specialized care that is best provided by trained professionals. Contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center as soon as possible to ensure the bird receives the necessary medical attention. These centers have experienced staff members who can assess the bird's condition, provide treatment, and devise a suitable rehabilitation plan.

When contacting the wildlife rehabilitation center, provide them with detailed information about the bird, including its species (if known),approximate size, and any visible injuries. Follow their instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome for the bird's recovery.

6. Supporting Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers

Wildlife rehabilitation centers play a vital role in the rehabilitation and release of injured and orphaned wild animals, including birds. These nonprofit organizations rely heavily on public support to continue their essential work. In addition to assisting individual birds, you can make a significant impact by volunteering your time, making a donation, or even organizing local fundraisers to contribute to these centers.

Helping orphaned or injured wild birds is a rewarding yet delicate task. By understanding the situation, reuniting birds when possible, providing temporary shelter, offering appropriate nutrition, and contacting wildlife rehabilitation centers, you can make a significant difference in the lives of these vulnerable creatures.

Remember, every action you take has the potential to save a life, allowing wild birds to soar freely once again in the skies above.

Helping Orphaned or Injured Wild Birds: Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletin A-210 (Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin)

by Diane Scarazzini(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	483 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	32 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

To Help or Not to Help?

When faced with an injured bird or orphaned nestling, most people want to help but don’t know how – and also fear doing more harm than good.  In fact, many wild birds that appear to be in trouble don’t need assistance at all.  How do you know whether a bird needs help?  How do you know what sort of help the bird needs?  In Helping Orphaned or Injured Wild Birds, you’ll find all the information you need on when and how to assist all kinds of birds, from wrens to raptors.  You’ll learn how to:

•  Identify whether a bird needs rescuing

• Help a baby bird that’s fallen from its nest

• Identify the age and species of an injured of orphaned bird

• Prepare emergency rations for a baby bird

• Administer basic bird first-aid

• Locate a professional wildlife rehabilitator