If a bird has collided with a
window, here's how you can help:
• Pick
the bird up gently if it is injured or stunned. Put it on a folded paper towel
inside a bag or small box. Use a cloth or glove to pick up the animal if you
don't want to touch it with your bare hands.
• Turn
the bird upright so it rests on its abdomen. (It could suffocate if left on its
back or side.)
• Leave
it undisturbed in a warm, quiet place for about an hour.
• Do
not try to feed or water the bird.
• After
an hour, if the animal is not yet alert, cannot fly, or shows signs of injury,
call for help. Your provincial wildlife agency can direct you to a bird
rehabilitation centre near you.
• If
there is no centre nearby, contact local veterinarians or an animal shelter
for advice. Some veterinarians do take in injured wildlife.
• If
the bird is dead, check for a band and forward it to the Bird Banding Office, Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada, Ottawa, Ont. K1A 0H3,
or send it to your local wildlife office. Include your name and address, as
well as the date, time, and place where you found the bird.
• Also,
contact your local museum to see if they could use the dead specimen for
research or education.
• Place
streamers or netting in front of your windows to reduce bird collisions.
