Birds cannot see glass and so will often fly into windows. The impact can cause a concussion. The best thing is to gently pick up the bird and put it in a box lined with a paper or old towel. Put the box in a warm dark place and wait for a few hours. The bird should be active and ready for release. If it is not, then it has a serious concussion and should be brought to Diva Crows or your local rehabber.

You don’t.

Songbirds are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and it is a felony to move or disturb a nest. Enjoy your front row seat watching baby birds grow up. Within a few weeks the show will be over.

There are three exceptions: house sparrows, starlings, and pigeons are not protected because they are invasive species. House sparrows and starlings are cavity nesters and will often end up in vents. Those nests can be removed. If you are unsure what kind of bird your avian guest may be, send a photo to Diva Crows and we’ll help you identify it.

The best way to help it may be to do nothing. Baby birds fledge before they can fly. The parents prefer to scatter their offspring than keep them in the nest where a predator could take out the whole clutch. The babies are good at hiding and the parents continue to care for them until they are truly independent. If the bird is fully feathered and active, it is fine. Unless you know that the parents are dead, it is best to leave the babies alone.

If the baby is naked or has pin feathers, is feathered but has ants or flies on it, or is wounded, it should be brought to a rehabber.

YES!

Bring it to a rehabber immediately. Cats’ mouths are filled with harmful bacteria and any contact with a bird will be fatal if it doesn’t get antibiotics.

Please consider keeping your cats inside. Cats kill more than a billion birds every year. It is not their fault; they are instinctive predators. They, and the birds, rely on humans to keep everyone safe.