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Children are curious,
caring, and eager to help when we find wildlife that
may need to be rescued. Injured or orphaned wild birds
are vulnerable and terrified of being caught by a
predator – and people have all the characteristics
of a predator, especially the placement of our large
eyes. So how can we meet the needs of our children
and protect the animal at the same time?
When you or your child spots a bird that seems to
need help, move the child far away from the bird and
explain how frightened the bird is, and how the child
can help you. Never let a child be responsible for
the rescue or care of a wild bird. It is an adult’s
job, but children can help YOU help the bird.
First, watch quietly from a distance, preferably
inside the house. You may want to set a timer, and
then watch for an hour to see if the bird flies away,
or if other birds come to feed it. Talk about what
you see – what you actually observe, the facts
-- and what you think it means -- inferences, opinions.
Your observations and opinions will be important if
you need to call a rehabilitator. After a period of
observation, if you still believe the bird needs help
-- an adult bird that is fluffed, droopy, or hasn’t
moved or a young bird that hasn’t been fed by
its parents, call a wildlife rehabilitator who is
licensed to care for wild birds.
You may need to leave a message. While you wait for
the return call, and before picking up the bird, let
your child help you prepare a “safe box”
for the bird -- a small box with a few holes in the
lid for ventilation, and some crumpled paper towels
inside the box for a soft resting place. If you have
found a young bird with skin showing you will need
to include a heat source. Find a dark, warm, quiet
place for the “safe box”, and then take
the box and a small cloth out to get the bird.
Without talking or looking directly at the bird up
close, walk over, place the cloth over the bird and
scoop it up. Place the bird in the “safe box”
and close the lid, tape or tie it closed, put the
box in the dark, warm, quiet place, and then wash
your hands. A gentle rescue will improve the bird’s
chance for survival.
While it may seem like a good idea to feed the bird,
please don’t put food or water into the bird’s
mouth. Incorrectly done, and it usually is, this can
cause aspiration pneumonia, a dangerous condition.
Resist the temptation to peek at the bird “just
to see how it’s doing”. This will cause
stress and reduce the bird’s chance for survival.
When driving to the clinic, remember that the bird
still needs darkness, warmth, and quiet. Talk softly,
and please don’t smoke.
If your child comes to the clinic with you, tell
him you are going to a ‘bird hospital’
so you won’t be allowed to look in the cages
up close, and many will be covered for privacy. Knowing
this in advance can help to avoid disappointment.
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