What do I do if I find a baby bird out of its nest?       

When dealing with songbirds, it is always better to put a baby back in the nest, if possible.  In spite of what we have always heard, the parents have little or no sense of smell, so do not fear that parents will reject a baby that has your scent on it.  If the nest cannot be located, a good substitute is a berry basket or some other container with drainage holes in it.  Secure the basket in the same area as the nest.  Watch for 24 hours to insure that the parents are feeding the babies.

Science Diet Feline Growth Food, soaked in water until soft, is a good substitute food for all baby songbirds.  However, this is only adequate for 2 or 3 days or severe symptoms of malnutrition will develop.  The young birds must be fed every 20-30 minutes 12 hours daily and be kept warm and out of drafts. Dehydration is deadly.  Gatorade and liquid bird vitamins may be given.  Use a plastic dropper or syringe and drip liquid along the outside of the beak.  Never squirt directly into the mouth.  For the sake of the bird, contact a licensed rehabilitator as soon as possible.

Thanks to Lee and Bev Clauser for the guidelines listed above.

 What do I do if I find an injured bird?

 Many times a bird that has flown into a home window is merely stunned.  You may find the bird lying on the ground motionless but breathing heavily.  Gently put the bird in an open box off the ground and away from predators.  In many instances, the bird will recover and fly away in a short time.

 For a serious injury, contact a licensed bird rehabilitator as soon as possible.  A list of DFW area rehabbers is on the back of this sheet.  Please note that a rehabber may not have space available to take your injured bird when you call. Also please be aware that you will have to deliver the bird to the rehabber. Most do not have runners that are available to pick up birds. Baby birds need to be fed frequently and rehabbers cannot leave to pick up birds during this critical time.

 DFW Area Bird Rehabbers:

  For a listing of other rehabbers in the state, go to the Texas Parks and Wildlife web site.

Please remember that these rehabbers donate both their time and resources for the care of our injured birds. They do not receive funds from state or federal agencies for their work.  Donations are always welcome, both monetary and supplies such as food, airline dog crates, etc. Please contact a rehabber if you wish to make a donation.

You may also wish to visit the DFW Wildlife Coalition website.