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 a live person is not available right away, please leave a message!
Found an animal?
Take a picture or video and call our Hawkline at 707-224-4295.
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
Hours: 8:00 am-5:00 pm
4369 Cordelia Rd., Fairfield, CA 94534
Common Songbird Problems
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A photo or video of the bird is really helpful here. The Hawkline operator will give you info on texting the picture or video and we can better assess the situation that way. Different species and different ages of baby birds require different responses. Some species go through a period of fledging, or practicing how to fly, and spend this time on the ground and bushes with parents nearby. Other species leave the nest ready to fly and are in trouble if found on the ground.
DO NOT feed a baby bird ANYTHING even if it opens its mouth. You can kill a baby bird by feeding it the wrong diet for its species or drown it by mistake, since birds can’t cough up fluid.
We have instructions below on safely rescuing a baby bird who needs help.
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You may look for the nest, but do not renest the bird yourself. Please call the Hawkline, then bring the baby to the clinic. Scroll down to learn how to rescue a bird.
If it is not injured from the fall, we will help you reunite the baby with the family if it is safe for you to do so.
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Please keep the bird warm, notify our Hawkline at 707-224-4295 and bring it to 4001 Middle Ave, Napa, CA 94559 during business hours. After business hours, the Hawkline can advise you.
Any bird who has had contact with a cat or dog must receive antibiotics for bacteria present in their saliva. The bird will be released back to its home area after antibiotics have run their course and any injuries have healed.
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A bird hitting a window may suffer brain injury, eye abrasions, or broken bones. If the bird doesn’t fly off after a few minutes, bring it to our clinic at 4001 Middle Ave. Napa, CA 94559. Scroll down to learn how to rescue a bird.
Birds hit windows because the reflections look like open space, or they can see through to a window on the opposite wall. To prevent bird window strikes you need to make the window more visible to birds. The link below goes into detail about options- frm DIY to products you can buy online- like window decals, price points for these options, and how to maximize their effectiveness.
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A bird that was hit by a car needs to come in for assessment. Bring it to our clinic at 4001 Middle Ave. Napa, CA 94559. Scroll down to learn how to rescue a bird.
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Most birds and their nests are federally protected, and must be left alone while in use. It’s against the law to disturb nesting birds. March-September in our area is the time when most birds are nesting.
If no eggs have been laid yet, remove all nesting materials as they are put in place. Screen the area to prevent further nest-building.
If there are already eggs or babies, allow the babies to mature until they can fly. Once there are no birds using the nest, you can remove the nest.
If there is a situation where the nest location is about to be hazardous, such as during house painting or fumigation, and the procedure cannot be rescheduled, contact our Hawkline. We may be able to assist with resources for those kind of situations on a situation by situation basis, in consultation with wildlife agencies.
If pigeons are nesting under your solar panels, you’ll need to wait until the babies can fly, then contact a wildlife exclusion service to prevent the pigeons from using this area in the future.
How to Rescue a Bird
Only adults should handle wild animals.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Common Raptor Problems
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You may look for the nest, but do not renest the bird yourself. Please call the Hawkline, then bring the baby to the clinic. Scroll down to learn how to rescue a bird.
If it is not injured from the fall, we will help reunite the baby with the family.
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A bird hitting a window may suffer brain injury, eye abrasions, or broken bones. If the bird doesn’t fly off after a few minutes, bring it to our clinic at 4001 Middle Ave. Napa, CA 94559. Scroll down to learn how to rescue a bird.
Birds hit windows because the reflections look like open space, or they can see through to a window on the opposite wall. To prevent bird window strikes you need to make the window more visible to birds. The link below goes into detail about options- frm DIY to products you can buy online- like window decals, price points for these options, and how to maximize their effectiveness.
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A raptor that was hit by a car needs to come in for assessment. If the raptor is unconscious, or barely moving, scroll down to learn how to rescue a bird. Bring it to our clinic at 4001 Middle Ave. Napa, CA 94559.
If the bird is alert and active, raptor talons are a safety concern. Please call the Hawkline so we can assist with rescue. 707-224-4295
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A raptor who has been on the ground for more than an hour likely needs rescue. Please call the Hawkline for assistance- 707-224-4295. One exception is a turkey vulture (large black bird with a bright red head).They spend more time on the ground to eat dead animals.