Helpful Tips

Sometimes our bird friends are ill and/or injured but they still may put up a fight to catch (survival instincts). Sometimes they can still run fast but can't fly.  Firstly know that there is a common misconception about birds and catching any diseases: there are virtually none that can be passed by a wild bird to human so no problem if you don't have gloves, just wash/sanitize your hands after that's all. 

1. Try and corral them to a corner.  You can do this by slowly walking towards them, or if you have any seed/bread (just a tiny amount enough to distract them we don't want to feed them) place near the edge of the building or corner.  
2. If they are in the street, corral them towards the sidewalk before trying to grab them, we don't want them running/gliding into traffic.  Important to note some birds can glide away but still cannot fly and need rescuing or they will get progressively worse.
3. If they are under a car, come from the street side so they don't run out onto the street.  You can use a stick or newspaper, whatever is nearby to move around under the car to make them come out the other side onto the sidewalk or safe spot where you can grab them more easily. Use your body to block off them from running back under the car because it will keep getting more difficult to get them out.  They are super smart and figure out what you're doing fast.
4. Be decisive when you go for them.  Reach down and grab them in one swoop, worry less about further injuring them (they are pretty resilient) but certainly don't squeeze or smash them, but if you just got a hold of their tail hold on and gently place your other hand over the top of its body.
5. You can also use a towel, jacket, sweater, blanket, cloth, etc. to drop over the bird and gently pick them up.  Make sure the bird’s wings are folded against its sides, and hold it so that your hands encircle the wings and body, to prevent panicked flapping. 
6. Sometimes you may need a net, a long butterfly net or even pool cleaning net can work.
7. Once you have them, place them in a box or paper bag (leave a tiny gap at the top for air circulation).
8. Contact us if you haven't already, and if you can bring the bird to the Wild Bird Fund on the Upper West side, 565 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024 (between 87th and 88th Street). They are open 9am-7pm every day and completely free to drop off the bird, and they will treat him and release with a flock when ready.  Do not bring the bird to anyone's house or person claiming to be a wildlife rehabilitator without speaking to us first.  There are many home rehabbers that are not licensed and worse they don't do what's good for the bird.  We can also help with transport if you cannot bring the bird to the Wild Bird Fund yourself, please reach out to us, thank you!

There may be a delay in which you can get an injured or sick bird to the wild bird fund, especially if found outside their business hours.  Follow these steps to keep the bird content in your home until it can get the help they need:

1. Put them in a box or paper bag (paper grocery bag works great!  Make sure you cut some ventilation holes prior to putting them in and/or leave a small crack opening at the top.  You can also line the bottom with a wee wee pad if you have or just a few paper towels so they have something to grip when being transported.
2. DO NOT offer food or water unless directed by a wildlife expert.
3. Keep them in a warm, quiet, dark place (a bathroom works best).
4. If you have a heating pad to put under the box (not inside) that would be helpful.  If you don't have a heating pad, you can use some air-activated hand warmer packets wrapped in a cloth or paper towel and you can just place it in the box.  Make sure the bird has room to move away from the heat source if necessary.  You can instead also fill a plastic bottle with hot water (not boiling, just hot) and wrap the bottle in a towel and place it next to the bird, inside the box. If the box is too small to accommodate both a bottle and a bird, setting the bottle against one side of the box is the next best thing. 

Many times we come across our feathered friends with tightly wrapped string/hair/etc. wrapped around their little feet. The Wild Bird Fund is the best place for deep embedded situations, but in the case it's loose enough, and you feel comfortable and equipped to try, it would save a bird being separated from their mate and flock for a quick fix.

Don't be discouraged if you take a pigeon or bird into your care, but you're unable to save the bird's life. Not all birds can be saved. You did your best by providing the bird with a safe, warm place where they felt at peace to let go, they no longer have to fight the outside elements (bad weather, predators, being accidentally or purposely stomped on, etc.).  

Thank you for providing them some peace and comfort in their final moments.