How to Help Wild Birds

What to do if you see a wild bird that appears in distress

How to help wild birds
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1) Observe

Adult Bird
  • Look for obvious injury
  • Is the bird acting tame?
Baby Bird
  • Is nest nearby?
  • Are siblings nearby?
  • Can you see or hear parents around?

2) Survey

  • Is the area safe?
  • Is the bird in its habitat?
  • are other birds around?

3) Respond

  • If the bird is in immediate danger
  • If the bird has obvious serious injury
  • If you are not sure
  • If you still have concerns

Who to Call

  • Police Dispatch (NOT 911)
  • Wildlife Rehabilitator
  • Wildlife Organization

In Southern Utah, call Martin of the Southwest Wildlife Foundation at (435)590-1618

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How to help wild birds
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How to Help Wild Birds
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More Information

Timestamps:
00:00 - What is your busiest time?
01:47 - I found a bird, how do I care for it?
03:01 - What animals are "wildlife"?
07:12 - Why is it illegal to release a Ringneck Dove?
08:18 - Why do smaller animals have to die to save larger ones?
11:32 - What is life like for Helen?
12:51 - What can I do to save animals?
17:09 - Is it too late to return animals taken away?
18:13 - What is "imprinting"?
20:58 - Is wildlife instantly imprinted from any human contact?
22:44 - Do you often see the best of intentions end poorly?
25:58 - Do you have any advice about finding wildlife information online?
27:53 - Is there any accountability for wildlife misinformation online?
29:06 - Can I learn to care for wildlife from watching videos?
30:31 - The volunteer critter webgeek has edited and seen all your video repeatedly, is she qualified to work with wild animals?
33:00 - Does experience with one animal transfer over to another that is similar?
36:27 - What are some examples when animals to need help?
38:48 - Do you run into legal issues regarding wildlife care?
41:29 - Should wildlife go to veterinarians?
42:56 - What is there is no local help?
44:44 - Why doesn't Susan work with the bigger critters?
46:11 - Why does it make Susan nervous when you work with big raptors?
47:29 - How long would a volunteer have to work with you before handling songbirds?
48:26 - How long would a volunteer have to work with you before handling raptors?
49:53 - How long would a volunteer have to work with you before handling the Wildlife Ambassadors?
51:06 - How long would a volunteer have to work with you before handling Scout the Golden Eagle?
51:50 - Did Scout choose to work with you?
53:09 - What about for releases & hawking guests?
55:37 - How do I contact help is there is an animal emergency?