In the spring, many birds fall out of their nests before they can fend for themselves. Some of the babies are learning to fly, some are pushed out by nest mates and others are removed from their nest by larger birds, cats, and people.

All wild birds, except for English house sparrows and starlings, are protected by state and federal law. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1972 prohibits individuals from possessing wild birds (including bird parts, feathers and eggs) without special permits. It is also unlawful to harass or deliberately destroy the nests of protected species. The State of California Department of Fish and Game and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service are the law enforcement agencies responsible for enforcing the law. The current fine for illegal possession of wild birds is US$1,000.00!

What You Can Do To Help Injured or Orphaned Birds

If you find a young wild bird that appears to be healthy, the best thing that you can do is to carefully place it back in its nest. If the entire nest has fallen, try to place it back where it came from. If you cannot reach the nest, leave the bird where you found it so that its mother can take care of it. If the bird is in an unsafe location (on the sidewalk, in the street, in full sunlight, etcetera), place it in a safer location (in a nearby bush or tree with some shade) close enough so that its mother can still find it. The mother bird will not reject her babies if they are touched by a human (please be careful, however, since birds are fragile). Do not attempt to care for the bird yourself. Even with the best intentions, wild birds that are cared for by untrained individuals generally do not survive.

If you find a wild bird that needs assistance:

• Place it in a clean cardboard box or paper sack lined with either a clean towel or paper towels. Be sure that there are air holes in the box or bag before you place the bird inside.

• Keep the bird comfortably warm, but not too hot. For baby birds, you may need to place the box on top of a heating pad set on low until you can find help.

• Do not attempt to feed the bird and do not force it to drink. You may place a small water dish near injured adult birds; baby birds should not be allowed near water as they can become chilled easily if they get wet, or they may accidentally drown.

• Contact the nearest wildlife rehabilitation facility, or the State of California Department of Fish and Game, as soon as possible. Many injured and orphaned birds can be released back to the wild if they receive the appropriate care.

• In the north Orange County (California, USA) area, contact Suzan Doggett, a state and federally licensed wildlife rehabilitator, at (714) 637-8355 between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. seven days a week. For information on licensed wildlife rehabilitation facilities in other areas, contact the Department of Fish and Game at (562) 590-5132.

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