Spring is upon us... and with the warming days come wild babies. This is just a reminder of what to look out for and what you should do:
- A baby bird on the ground that is feathered - alert - wants to get away from you - can hop and perch - both wings look the same:
1) Should NOT be removed unless parents are confirmed dead.
2) Should NOT be placed back in nest - it will only risk falling again - it wants to be and needs to be out of the nest!
3) Can be placed on LOW branches within a few yards from where it was first observed.
4) Give the baby time and space to grow up - turn off automatic sprinklers, put off yard cleanup, keep cats and dogs away from the area for a few days at least.
Baby birds that appear lethargic, 'sad looking', sunken eyes, cold to the touch, fluffed up - require immediate attention!
1) With clean dry hands a baby bird can be placed into clean box or plastic tub lined with a non-frayed towel (not terry cloth). Container should not be too large - the sides should not be more than a few inches from the bird's body, if possible. The towel can be shaped into a cup to help support the bird, like a nest.
2) Supply a heat source. Here are some ways to warm the baby:
a) Heating pad on Low or Medium set UNDER or AROUND only a PORTION of the container - must get the ambient heat surrounding the bird to about 80 - 85 degrees. MUST MONITOR FOR OVERHEATING!
b) Vessel of hot/warm water WRAPPED in a DISH TOWEL. Must NOT come into direct contact with bird but set to the side of the towel 'cup' or underneath 'cup'. Warmth will last about 20 - 30 minutes. As the water cools it must be removed as it will also cool down the baby.
c) Dry rice (or other dry grains/legumes) - microwaved (NO WATER) for about 1 minute - tossed and turned and microwaved for another minute or so until it is quite warm to the touch - almost hot. Place in cotton sock or pillowcase, tied close. Place near or under towel 'cup'.
2) Call for help - 1-866-WILD-911 or local (Bay Area, Monterey, Los Angeles) page 831-429-2323.
