WHAT TO DO:

If you encounter a raptor that appears injured or ill, contact Orange County CA 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.   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-intentioned 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. 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.

NON-PROFIT CORPORATION TAX ID NUMBER: 33-044-0942

Please consider donating to OCBPC to support their mission of education and rehabilitation.