If you find a collision bird:

1. Place it in a thin paper bag secured with a clip (think lunch bag) or a cardboard box or container that is ventilated with air holes (so it can breathe), sealed (so it doesn’t accidentally fly or tumble out), and marked (i.e “bird inside” so it is not mistaken for trash or moved around)

2. Contact one of the area wildlife rehabilitation centers (see list below)

3. Bring to a wildlife rehab after confirming injury or if there is a clear, obvious injury (see section below on how to tell)

4. Keep contained bird in a dark, quiet, climate-controlled space if you’re unable to bring to a rehabilitation center right away.

5. Always keep the contained bird WITH you. A contained bird left outside is more vulnerable to threats such as predators (cats, wild animals, birds of prey), human accidents (being mistaken for trash, being stepped on), and the elements of weather.

6. No food or water. An injured bird can accidentally aspirate it, which can be fatal.

7. Do not re-release a window collision bird victim. They have usually suffered internal injuries such as internal bleeding and/or concussion and can succumb to these later even if they look healthy and fly off.

How to tell if a bird is injured:

1. If showing signs of injury - droopy/closed eyes, puffy feathers, heavy panting, not standing on feet, generally easy to approach or pick up

2. If found near a glass building/home/window.

3. If it is the migration season (Spring/Fall), assume the bird is injured. 

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How to catch a bird:​

1. Touching the bird with your hands will not cause it to be rejected by the mother. That is a myth.

2. You can approach the bird from behind and gently toss a small blanket or towel over it to pick it up. 

3. Some birds can be easily picked up especially if the injury is severe.

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Some birds, such as baby birds, may not need intervention at all. Please refer to the comprehensive chart below the rehabber list on specifics on what to do if you find an injured or baby bird: