Bird
Found a bird?
Some young birds are supposed to be on the ground while they learn to fly. Others need help because they are injured, cold, bare-skinned, or out of the nest too early.
If an animal is injured, orphaned, or displaced, contact licensed or permitted help before feeding or handling. Share what you are seeing so the animal can reach appropriate wildlife care.
Start here
Keep pets indoors and give the bird space.
Look for a nearby nest or parent birds if you can do so safely.
Take photos that show feathering, size, and location.
Share whether the bird is hopping, perching, calling, or unable to move.
Do not do these while waiting for guidance
Do not feed bread, seed, milk, water, or insects.
Do not force the beak open.
Do not keep the bird in a busy, noisy room.
Why this matters
A fully feathered fledgling may not need rescue. The safest choice depends on age, injuries, predators, and whether the parents are still caring for it.
Other situations to know
Does anything else apply here?
These situations can happen with any animal, including this one. Keep them in mind alongside the guidance above.
Found as an injured adult?
Adult wildlife can injure people when scared, even when they look weak. The best first step is distance, safety, photos, and a call to qualified help.
Do not attempt to capture adult wildlife unless instructed by a qualified person.
Do not grab, corner, chase, or throw a towel over it without guidance.
Take photos or video from a safe distance and share location, species, and visible injuries.
Hit by a vehicle?
Vehicle strikes can involve hidden injuries, traffic danger, and babies nearby. Stay safe first, then share exact location and visible details.
Do not step into traffic or block a roadway to reach the animal.
Call local emergency services or animal control when people or traffic are at risk.
Note the exact road, nearest cross street, and direction of travel.
Did tree work disturb a nest or den?
Tree trimming, removals, landscaping, and storm cleanup can expose nests or dens. Pausing work and getting guidance can prevent avoidable harm.
Stop work in the immediate area if it is safe to do so.
Keep equipment, pets, and foot traffic away from the babies or nest area.
Do not relocate babies to a random tree, box, or yard without guidance.