Wildlife in Need

Found a Bird

Don't be a bird napper!

A fledgling bird sitting in long grass, looking up.
Photo by Joy Stamp on Unsplash

Please follow this BC SPCA flow chart to decipher if this bird is truly in need of help:

Please note:

Birds go through a growth period in which they are not young enough to be in the nest nor old enough to be flying- this means they may be seen hopping around on the ground. This does not mean they are injured. This is a natural part of their development. They are called "Fledglings" and are still being watched over and cared for by nearby parents.

If you believe a bird to be injured, orphaned or abandoned, please contact a local wildlife rehabilitation centre.

Remember:

Parents will not return to tend to their baby if you are close by. If you are concerned about a baby bird, please watch from a distance.

BC SPCA flow chart: I've found a baby bird, what do I do? Is the bird hurt or stuck (unable to flutter its wings, bleeding, weak, or attacked by a dog or cat)? If yes, call the BC SPCA Wildlife Hotline at 1-855-622-7722. If no: is it feathered? If not, it's a nestling. If you can't find the nest or it isn't intact, call the hotline for advice. If you can, place the baby back in the nest and watch from a distance for an hour; if the parents visit, leave the area, the baby is OK; if not, call the hotline. If it is feathered, it's a fledgling, and it is normal for it to hop on the ground while its parents feed it. If it is safe from cats, dogs and people, leave the area. If not, gently herd it to bushes or nearby shelter and watch from a distance for an hour; if the parents visit, leave the area; if not, call the hotline. When in doubt, call 1-855-622-7722.
BC SPCA Wildlife Hotline
1-855-622-7722