Bend, Oregon

Young, Orphaned, and Injured Birds

Eastern Bluebird male with fledgling   With the arrival of summer, young birds are now venturing out on their own. Unfortunately sometimes tragedy strikes and baby birds need humans to lend a helping hand. But often times while we have nothing but the best intentions we can end up doing more harm in our attempt to help.

   Most baby birds do not need rescuing, so it is important to determine if the bird is truly in need of assistance. Fledglings might be on the ground because they are learning to fly. By "rescuing them" you might interfere with the course of nature. Watch them for at least two hours for the return of the mother or father bird. If no parent returns during that time, you may have found an orphaned bird.

   If the bird is not in danger from predators, you should leave it on the ground. If it appears to be a nestling that has fallen from the nest and you can locate the nest, then return the baby to the nest. Birds cannot smell a human scent so the parent will not reject a baby bird because you touched it.

   If you are sure you have found an orphaned bird, call a professional wildlife rehabilitator. It is illegal under federal wildlife law for you to have a wild bird in your possession unless you are a licensed rehabilitator. We can help to locate a rehabilitator if one is needed. Caring for a bird is not an easy task and should be left to people who know how to do it the best.

   If you must temporarily care for the orphaned bird, put it in a cardboard box in a quiet spot to minimize stress. If the bird is featherless add a heat source such as a heating pad or warm bottle covered by a towel. Unless instructed by a rehabilitator, do not attempt to give the bird food or water.

   For further information or advice concerning an injured or orphaned bird, please call us a 617-8840.