If you find a migratory bird that seems friendly, is quietly sitting by your building
or lets you approach, this bird is most likely injured !

Do not assume a bird is dead if it is totally still and/or on its back and/or if there is blood.
We now know from our experts that stunned birds can look exactly like dead birds.

Please proceed with directions below unless bird is cold and stiff. If it is a raptor/bird of prey or sharp billed wading bird (such as a heron), please just call for assistance. Raptors become stiff legged when injured and both raptors and long billed waders such as herons can be dangerous. Woodcocks and Rails are smaller waders and they are not dangerous and can be approached as other birds below.

Contact with wildlife entails the risk of disease exposure and transmission.  We warn all individuals to take any and all precautions they feel are necessary to minimize their risk of exposure and safeguard their health whenever handling birds.  You can wear latex or cloth gloves when handling birds.  Always wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after handling birds.

Thanks for caring enough to help birds in need.

If you have found an injured or stunned bird:

1. Place a flat folded paper towel in the bottom of an non-waxed paper sack or box. A paper grocery or sandwich bag is ideal, or a box with small holes in it. Most birds will do well in a smaller sack but larger birds such as catbirds, rails, woodcocks, thrashers and woodpeckers should go into a paper grocery sized bag or box.  If you find an injured raptor or heron type bird, call our hotline or one of the rehabbers listed below to get help.
   
2. Gently pick up the bird and put it into the bottom of the bag or box. Try to keep the bird upright. Fold down the top of the bag and clip it, and/or close the box so that the bird cannot jump or fly out.
   
3. Put the bag or box in a dark, quiet and protected location (preferably indoors).  Do not open the bag to check on the bird, this is dangerous the bird may try to escape and cause further injury. If the bird is active, please put another towel or blanket over the box or bag. Light makes them active.
   
4. Please call our collision Hotline Number 773 988 1867 and leave the time, your name, a number where you can be reached and your location. If you cannot rescue the bird, leave the above information and the location and condition of the bird.
   
5. Do not give the bird food or water as this can be very dangerous for a stunned bird. It can even kill the bird.
6. Please keep the stunned bird in the bag even if it becomes active. Just because a bird becomes active or can fly does not mean it is OK! If the bird becomes active please move it to a darker location or cover the bag or box with a towel or sweater. Please do not let the bird out of the bag to see if it can fly, etc.

Note that we are an all volunteer effort  without the ability to always answer calls directly.  Always leave a message with complete information - location, time and phone number.

THANK YOU FOR HELPING OUR CHICAGO BIRDS! YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE AND IT IS APPRECIATED!