Songbirds

Observe:

Observe their behavior to understand if they are sick, injured, or in distress. Normal behavior includes singing, foraging, and socializing. Abnormal behavior may include lethargy, difficulty flying, or unusual aggression.

Identify:

Learn to identify common songbirds in your area. Key characteristics include size, color, song, and behavior. Apps and field guides can help.

Signs that a baby bird or fledgling needs help:

• It is not feathered
• If it’s laying in one spot with its eyes closed
• If it is covered in bugs
• Injury or Illness: Look for signs like inability to fly, visible injuries (e.g., broken wings or legs), abnormal feathers, or excessive quietness.
• Fledglings vs. Nestlings: Fledglings have feathers and can hop or flutter; nestlings are featherless and require care in the nest. If a fledgling is on the ground, its feathers are not fully developed. During this stage, which can take up to 7-10 days, the mother will feed it on the ground. Please do not intervene.

Signs the turtle may NOT need medical help:

• They are hopping around on the ground.

Approach with Caution

Birds are sensitive and can be stressed by human presence. Approach calmly and quietly.

Protect Yourself

Be cautious of aggressive parent birds defending their young. Use gloves if handling is necessary to avoid injury or transferring diseases.

If necessary:

If a bird is in immediate danger (e.g., on a busy road), carefully move it to a safer location using gloves or a cloth.

Handling

Use a soft cloth to gently pick up the bird, avoiding contact with its wings and legs to prevent injury. If the bird is severely injured, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.

Avoid Disturbance

If you find a nest, avoid disturbing it. Keep pets and children away to prevent stressing the birds.

Housing

Keep the bird in a warm, quiet place. A small box with ventilation holes lined with soft cloth or paper towels can be used. Do not attempt to care for an injured or sick bird without professional help. Do not give food or water. Unfeathered baby birds need an external heat source – contact a rehabilitator for more specific instruction.

Transport Safely

If you need to transport the bird to a rehabilitator or wildlife centre, place it in a well-ventilated box lined with soft cloth. Keep the box in a quiet, warm area of your vehicle.

Minimize Stress

Avoid loud noises and sudden movements during transport to reduce stress on the bird.