What To Do If You Find A Baby Bird

"Baby Bird Season" as wildlife rehabilitators call it, will be upon us within several months in Southwest Florida.  We are providing  some advice to help  you help rescue a baby bird.  

Please keep in mind that all baby birds found on the ground are not in need of being rescued.  If you do come upon a little one on the ground, look around for its mother.  Chances are the mother is near by.  Don't be in a big hurry to pick up the baby and take it with you.  Instead, monitor the situation.  Keep the baby out of harm's way - but if possible, let the mother handle the situation.  Most likely, the mother bird will intercede on the baby's behalf.

If you are absolutely sure of the location of the nest it may be from, place the baby back in the nest.  The mother will readily accept it back.  That is an old wives tale in regard to the mother rejecting its baby because of a human scent on it.  

If you are absolutely sure that the little one is in danger or if it is injured, you can use the following points as a guide:

• Prepare a container.  A cardboard box with a top is ideal.  Place a clean soft cloth on the bottom of the container.  Be sure to add air holes. Paper towels are a good substitute for a cloth.
• Birds have sharp beaks and claws.   So, be careful when attempting to pick up the bird.  It would be wise to wear gloves. 
• Cover the bird with a light cloth or a towel.
• Be careful not to cause further injury to the bird and place it in the container.
• Put the lid on the box.  Birds will remain calm if the box is dark inside. 
• Make sure the bird is neither too hot or too cold.  Even in Florida, a baby bird can become hypothermic. (too cold) The temperature inside of the box should be between 80 to 90 degrees.  You can use a lamp with a 40 or 60 watt bulb to keep the box at a comfortable level.  Be careful not to place the lamp too close to the baby.
• Make sure the top of the box is secure.
• The bird will be calm in a darkened container.
• Take notes.  Record the time and location of where you found the baby bird.  Also, record any circumstances surrounding the bird's situation.  
• Call the nearest wildlife rehabilitation center as soon as possible.  Most centers can be found in the yellow pages.  If you can not locate one, call Florida Fish and Game for a center closest to you.  Many veterinarians temporally accept injured or abandoned wildlife for rehabilitation centers.
• Only deal with a rehabilitation center that has a veterinarian on staff or on emergency call.
• Don't attempt to care for the baby bird yourself.  These little ones require feedings every thirty minutes around the clock.  Rehabilitation centers have experienced individuals to properly care for them.

Click here to learn more about caring for baby birds.