IN CASE OF SICK, INJURED, OR ORPHANED WILDLIFE:

CALL 707-224-4295

Please DO NOT EMAIL MESSAGES regarding sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife. Emails are not checked frequently enough to get you help in a wildlife emergency.

If someone cannot take your call right away, please leave a message!

Found an aquatic bird?

Call International Bird Rescue San Fransisco Bay Center

Because of HPAI we no longer admit aquatic birds to our clinic. Please call International Bird Rescue.

707-207-0380 Ext. 110

https://www.birdrescue.org/contact/found-a-bird/

Hours: 8:00 am-5:00 pm

4369 Cordelia Rd., Fairfield, CA 94534

Always bring the bird to us in the following situations:

  • The bird shows obvious signs of injury (blood, exposed bone, one wing is significantly drooping, etc.)

  • You believe the bird was caught by a dog or cat

  • You saw or heard the bird hit a window

  • The bird was hit by a car (may be sitting on the side of the road with it’s feathers fluffed and its not moving)

  • A raptor (aka a bird of prey) is grounded for over an hour

  • The bird is stuck in a glue trap (DO NOT attempt to remove the bird from the trap)

  • The bird is stuck in a snap trap and is still alive

Call our Hawkline in the following situations:

  • The bird seems unable to fly and you’re unsure if it’s an adult or juvenile

  • You found a baby bird that might be orphaned

  • There’s a baby songbird in your yard and pets have access to the yard

  • There is a nest in an inappropriate location (construction site, house that is about to be fumigated or painted, a location where a nest would be a nuisance)

  • A bird is showing neurologic deficits (severe head tilt, twisting head/neck, spasming, “biting” air, etc.)

  • Any time you suspect a bird may be sick, injured, or orphaned but you are unsure or require assistance

Aquatic birds include but are not limited to: geese, herons, egrets, seagulls, ducks, ducklings, cormorants, sandpipers, cranes, oystercatchers, killdeer, and loons.

How to Rescue a Bird

Only adults should handle wild animals.

  1. Prepare a container. Place a clean, soft cloth with no loose strings on the bottom of a cardboard box with lid or in a cat/dog carrier. If you’re using a cardboard box with a lid, poke air holes in the lid.

  2. Protect yourself. Wear gloves if possible. Scared birds may use their beak or feet to try and defend themselves and can cause injury to you. Raptors have sharp talons. Wearing thick gloves and using a thick towel provides good protection. If you do not feel safe rescuing a raptor, please call the Hawkline (707-224-4295)for rescue assistance

  3. With a light cloth or towel, gently pick up the bird and put it in the prepared container. Note where you found the bird. Wash your hands after handling the bird.

  4. Keep the bird warm, dark, quiet, and away from children and pets. If the bird has few feathers, you’ll need to provide warmth. Put dry rice or beans in a sock, tie it shut, then microwave until warm but not boiling hot. Place the heat sock near the bird, so it can get closer if cold, move away if too hot.

  5. Immediately bring it to 4001 Middle Ave, Napa during our normal business hours. Keep the bird in the container. When transporting the bird, keep talking to a minimum, use low voices, do not play music, and do not smoke or vape in the car.

  6. When you get here we will gather information from you and give the bird an exam. If it is healthy we may need your help to return the bird where it was found.