Catch of the Day

What to do if you find a young hawk or owl

If the bird is...

Covered in downy fluff:
Pick it up, keep it warm, mark where you found it and call WildCare. Do not try to feed or water it.

Slightly feathered and sitting on the ground:
Be careful of talons (toenails), wear gloves to pick it up, keep it warm, mark where you found it, and call WildCare. Do not try to feed or water it.

Feathered and hopping in the branches:
Observe -- are the wings symmetrical? Are both legs working? Are there lots of flies on or near the baby? If you aren't sure whether the bird is healthy, mark where you found it and call WildCare.

Injured (at any age):
Wear gloves to pick it up, put it in a box with a lid or a pet carrier, keep it warm, dark, and quiet. Do not try to feed or water it and call WildCare.

Why call WildCare?
Many times we can assess the circumstances through the information you provide and help determine whether an animal would be better off with a parent.

Why no food or water?
This can make a baby sick. Water in a bird's mouth can be very dangerous. A sick or weak baby cannot be reunited as quickly.

Why mark the area?
It may take a few days before we can reunited the family. Trees start to look alike and knowing exactly where the baby was founds helps us to find the nest later.