Birds in general have a poor sense of smell and parent birds will not reject their young because they were handled by humans. If an entire nest has fallen out of a tree, the nest and young can be put back up into the tree. If the nest has been damaged, the remaining nest can be put into a margarine tub and placed securely in the tree (punch holes in the bottom of the container for drainage). Even if it is not the exact same spot the parent birds will find them and continue feeding. If you want to be certain the parents return, watch out of sight from a distance using binoculars. Staying too close may delay the return of the parents.

If you notice that the parents do not return after a significant period of time, give us a call.

An adult bird may be in need of veterinary care if you notice any of the following: obvious signs of trauma (i.e. bleeding), running on the ground and hiding under bushes instead of flying away with the flock, sitting with feathers puffed up for a prolonged period of time, has difficulty breathing, favors one leg or drags a wing on the ground. If the animal is able to be approached easily without any attempt to flee, chances are the bird is seriously ill and in need of care.

Before you attempt to capture the bird, prepare yourself. Does the bird have sharp talons that could injure you? Do you feel that you are able to capture the animal safely without harming yourself? If you do not feel comfortable with the situation, call us!! Your safely comes first. If you are able to capture the animal, first prepare a box or pet carrier with soft bedding and ventilation holes. Attempt to capture the bird with a blanket or towel by covering the body and head. Birds become very relaxing when their head is covered. Once captured, transfer the animal into the box and place in a warm, dark, noise-free room. Do not feed the animal unless advised to do so. Do not handle or look at them more than necessary. Stress can kill!

When you transport the injured bird to the CWRC, it is important to bring them in as soon as possible. If they can't be brought in immediately, remember to keep them in a warm, quiet place (away from people and other animals). Avoid playing your radio in the car during transport. If you have questions about a particular situation, please call us.

Hummingbirds present unique challenges given their size, behaviour and metabolism. Click here for a pdf file of information that may help you determine if the hummingbird you have found requires assistance. www.projectwildlife.org/documents/hummer.pdf (66kb)

Click here for our contact information.

If you find an apparently orphaned bird or mammal, please be sure it is in need of rescue. Many well meaning people don't realize that the mothers of baby animals such as deer and hare must leave the young alone for prolonged periods of time in order to forage for their own food. The young are used to this and generally safe. It is important not to disturb the young or move them so the mother can find the young easily upon her return. Wild babies are always better off to be raised by their parents than with people. Please call the CWRC or your local wildlife officials for advice if you are unsure whether an animal is in trouble and needs rescue.

If you find nestling birds that have fallen out of a nest, it is best to try to put them back in the nest. Birds in general have a poor sense of smell and parent birds will not reject their young because they were handled by humans. If an entire nest has fallen out of a tree, the nest and young can be put back up into the tree. If the nest has been damaged, the remaining nest can be put into a margarine tub and placed securely in the tree( punch holes in the bottom of the container for drainage). Even if it is not the exact same spot the parent birds will find them and continue feeding. If you want to be certain the parents return, watch out of sight from a distance using binoculars. Staying too close may delay the return of the parents.

After baby songbirds leave the nest they still cannot fly well and spend their time hopping around and trying to fly a little bit . These birds are not injured and do not need to be rescued. Parent birds continue to feed and look after these fledglings for up to two months. The parents teach them how to find food and recognize dangers and it is important that they be left with their parents.

Helping animals that truly need it should be encouraged and can be very rewarding. Make sure, however, that the animal you are trying to help actually needs it. Some examples of situations where a baby should be brought in for help are: obvious injury, mouthed by a cat or dog, or the parents are known to be dead.

If you need to transport a bird to the CWRC, it is important to bring them in as soon as possible. Place them in a cardboard box or pet carrier with soft bedding and ventilation holes. Do not attempt to feed them. If they can't be brought in immediately, keep them in a warm, quiet place ( away from people and other animals). Do not handle or look at them more than necessary. Avoid playing your radio in the car during transport. Stress can kill! If you have questions about a particular situation, please call us.

An adult mammal may be in need of veterinary care if you notice any of the following: obvious signs of trauma (i.e. bleeding), has difficulty breathing, sits in one spot for a prolonged period of time, favors one leg or is observed to be having convulsions. If the animal is able to be approached easily without any attempt to flee, chances are it is seriously ill and in need of care.

Before you attempt to capture an adult mammal, prepare yourself. Does the animal have sharp claws and powerful teeth that could injure you? Do you feel that you are able to capture the animal safely without harming yourself? If you do not feel comfortable with the situation, call us!! Your safely comes first. If you are able to capture the animal, first prepare a box or pet carrier with soft bedding and ventilation holes. Attempt to capture the animal with a blanket or towel by covering the body and head. Always wear gloves! Once captured, transfer the animal into the box and place in a warm, dark, noise-free room. Do not feed the animal unless advised to do so. Do not handle or look at them more than necessary. Stress can kill!

When you transport the injured mammal to the CWRC, it is important to bring them in as soon as possible. If they can't be brought in immediately, remember to keep them in a warm, quiet place (away from people and other animals). Avoid playing your radio in the car during transport. If you have questions about a particular situation, please call us.