What to do when you find an injured bird !

So today while I was walking my dog I saw an injured baby bird flopping around.  It is was clearly evident that it could not fly.

Personally, I picked him up and put him in a box but I guess some kids saw the same baby bird a day ago so this poor thing had been flopping and hopping around unable to fly for over a day or so.  When I finally brought him into my home, he had quietly passed away.  I am sure that poor little baby bird was completely exhausted from his ordeal the last few days.  I buried the little bird in my garden and wished him much peace in his next life.

This got me thinking about what to do when you find an injured bird so I started doing some research.  So, here is some information in case you too find an injured bird.

If you live in the Lake County Illinois area, you can contact Barnswallow in Wauconda, Illinois.
Phone: 847-487-3606.
Website: http://www.barnswallow.net

It's important to act quickly to contain a bird before it moves out of reach or something harms it.

• Place the bird in a clean unwaxed paper bag or cardboard box of appropriate size, with paper toweling flat on the bottom.

• Fold the top of the bag down 1 inch, then fold again and secure the top with a paper clip. Secure the lid of the box with tape.

• Place the bag or box in a safe, dark, quiet place, away from extreme heat or cold.

• DO NOT put food or water in the bag or box.

• DO NOT poke holes in the bag or box.

• NEVER open the bag or box to check on the bird.

• NEVER take a bird that is not in a closed bag or box into a building

• As soon as possible, transport the bird to a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center.

Other Rescue Information:

• If you cannot pick up and contain the bird, make an attempt to move it to a protected area away from further harm; such as under a bush, or away from the street or sidewalk. 

• Once the bird is secured in a bag or box, do not be tempted to check on the bird! Opening the bag or box stresses the bird, offers the possibility for escape, and puts the bird at risk for further injury. Escaped birds can become trapped inside a building or be impossible to recapture. 

• Birds can breathe adequately in a closed unwaxed paper bag or cardboard box. Air holes are not necessary and can allow some birds to escape. Never place birds in plastic bags or containers. 

• Birds are more likely to stay still and quiet in a darkened environment. Covering the bag or box helps block out light. 

• Do not try to care for an injured bird yourself. It needs specialized care. It is against federal law to keep a migratory or native bird without specialized training and permits. Contact with wildlife can involve exposure to diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Take any and all precautions to safeguard your health whenever handling birds.

I personally cannot walk past an injured bird and not do anything.  If the bird does pass away while in your care, at least you gave that bird a moment's peace and quiet before they moved on.