Helping Injured Birds

This article relates to Wesley the Owl

The WildBirds.com website offers the following advice if you come across an injured bird:

If you find an injured bird, make sure it is really injured before you act. Often the bird is simply stunned. It may fly away in a few minutes if you leave it alone. Birds often become stunned by flying into glass windows.

If the bird has a broken wing or other serious injury, contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center. Be VERY careful around Hawks and Owls. Their sharp claws and beaks can do a lot of damage! Do not handle them yourself. Do not give an injured bird food or water. Keep children and pets away from the injured bird.

To transport the bird ... place the injured bird in a box with air holes or in a paper bag lined with soft tissues.

Useful Links

• Wildlife rehabilitators directory, USA
• Animal sanctuaries/wildlife reserves, USA
• Directory of animal rescue web sites mainly in the UK. Grouped by location and animal
• Directory of international wildlife rehabilitators
  



• To see photographs of Wesley throughout his life go to: www.wesleytheowl.com and click on the photo page.

Filed under Nature and the Environment

This "beyond the book article" relates to Wesley the Owl. It originally ran in September 2008 and has been updated for the June 2009 paperback edition. Go to magazine.

This review is available to non-members for a limited time. For full access become a member today.