What To Do With an Injured Bird
- Keep your safety in mind when approaching an injured bird. Lead it
into a safe area, away from traffic or water,
before attempting to catch it.
- Eye protection is essential when approaching herons and egrets. These
birds instinctively lunge at their prey, and when
injured may lunge at you.
- Cover the bird's head with a towel or T-shirt. This will often have
a calming effect.
- Don't tape or tie a bird's bill shut. Some birds do not have nostrils,
some nostrils may be clogged with blood, some injured
birds may regurgitate recently eaten food, and some cool themselves by panting.
- Transport the injured or hooked bird to the nearest rehabilitation center,
either the Wild Bird Center in Tavernier, or one
of these other locations: Marathon Wild Bird Rescue, MM 47, Marathon. Phone
(305) 743-8382. Wildlife
Rescue of the Florida Keys, Key West. Phone (305)
294-1441. If you're not near a bird rescue center, contact a local veterinary
clinic.