Buzz
According to the Bird Conservation Network, over 100 million birds in North America die each year from colliding with windows. This type of accident is especially common during the spring mating season. Laws prohibit the indefinite captivity of wild birds. However, you can keep them for a few hours to allow recovery after an accident.
Steps
Caring for an Injured Bird
Limit interaction with the bird. The bird may be severely stunned, so it’s important to avoid any stimuli. Agitation could worsen its condition. If the bird has injured its wing or leg, it should be taken to a veterinarian.
Prepare the necessary tools. If birds frequently collide with your windows, you should have a towel, a small box (a shoebox works well), gloves, and safety glasses ready if possible.
Observe the bird. They often need just a few minutes to recover. Stay nearby to monitor the bird and ensure it isn’t attacked by predators before it fully recovers. If the bird doesn’t regain consciousness within five to six minutes, take action as soon as possible.
- If you’re not comfortable handling birds, contact a veterinarian immediately.
- If the bird has a shoulder injury, it may still be able to fly short distances horizontally. However, it won’t be able to lift its wings above its shoulders or gain altitude.
- Injuries to the shoulder or wing require veterinary treatment and may take months to heal. If the bird is severely injured, take it to a vet right away.
- If the bird is unconscious, it has likely suffered a head injury and needs to be placed in a safe, quiet area to rest.
Prepare paper towels and a cardboard box. Birds can recover fully if they’re not exposed to external stimuli. Use a small box to block out light. Line the box with soft paper towels or cloth to make the bird comfortable.
- For larger birds, place a towel under a paper bag and clip the top, leaving space for air circulation. However, if the bird is too large or aggressive, avoid handling it and call a veterinarian immediately.
Handle the bird. Wear gloves and safety glasses if available. Hold the bird upright so it can breathe. Keep a firm but gentle grip, and hold the wings close to its body.
Place the bird in the box and close the lid. Ensure the box has ventilation holes. Move the box to a quiet, warm area (avoid direct sunlight). Protect the bird from predators, including cats.
Check on the bird periodically. Monitor the box every 20 minutes for two hours. Once the bird shows signs of recovery, you can release it outdoors.
Release the bird. After two hours, take the box to a wooded area. Open the lid and watch the bird fly away.
Contact a wildlife expert. If the bird cannot fly after two hours, call a veterinarian. Reach out to a specialist skilled in bird care.
- Do not keep wild birds for more than two hours, as it is illegal.
Preventing Accidents
Relocate bird feeders. If feeders are too close to windows, birds may not adjust their speed, leading to collisions. Placing feeders farther from windows helps birds recognize that windows are not part of their natural environment.
- Position feeders either less than 1 meter or more than 10 meters away from windows.
Use white curtains. Birds are attracted to the contrasting reflections of nature on windows. Hanging curtains can block these reflections, reducing the risk of birds colliding with the glass.
- You can also apply decals to the window. However, to effectively prevent collisions, place decals no more than 5 cm apart horizontally and 10 cm apart vertically. This method may slightly obstruct your view.
Install insect screens. This serves a dual purpose. First, it reduces window reflections, minimizing the chance of bird collisions. Second, it acts as a cushion, lessening injuries if a bird accidentally flies into your window.
