I'VE FOUND A BABY RAPTOR! WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If you find a young bird on the ground, usually the best thing to do is leave it there. Fledglings are often out of their nests a few days before they can fly. They are learning vital skills--climbing, flying, and avoidance behavior, while still under parental care. Often, well-intended people cause harm by removing healthy and normal fledgling birds from the nest site. Young birds (fledglings) should not be removed from the care of the parents unless they are injured or pose a safety concern. If you suspect the bird is actually injured (drooping wing, visibly bleeding, etc.), please contact your local Animal Control Agency (see below).
I'VE FOUND AN INJURED RAPTOR! WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Contact
Orange County Animal Control
at
(714) 935-6848
or your local Animal Control. They have the necessary equipment and knowledge to aid the bird appropriately and get it to us quickly.
If you suspect a young bird is an orphan, contact your local animal control prior to approaching the bird and report it as a possible injured bird. Please leave this decision to the trained officers of the local Animal Control Agencies.
If handling the bird is necessary, use heavy gloves to avoid injury by its sharp talons and beak. A towel or blanket temporarily placed over the bird may allow easier handling. Grasp the bird on its sides over properly folded wings. Then place the raptor into a heavy cardboard box, which should be only slightly larger then the bird itself. Always make a record of the time, date, and location of capture and call Animal Control immediately. It is illegal to care for the bird yourself.
CHECK YOUR CITY FOR LOCAL ANIMAL SERVICES
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MISSION VIEJO ANIMAL SERVICES
Serving Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, and Rancho Santa Margarita 28095 Hillcrest Mission Viejo, CA (949) 470-3045 |
