07/10/2026
It's fall migration. And birds hit windows every day. Here's exactly what to do if you find one. π¦
Step 1: Approach gently
β Wear gloves if you have them
β Cover the bird with a light cloth or towel
β Pick it up gently with both hands. Don't squeeze
Step 2: Make a safe space
β Place it in a small cardboard box or a paper bag with air holes
β Line it with a paper towel
β Close the top, and put it in a dark, quiet, warm place (away from pets, kids, and noise)
Step 3: Wait
β Don't offer food or water. That can be dangerous
β Give it one to two hours
β Check gently, without opening the box wide
Step 4: Release or call
β If the bird is alert and moving, take the box outside and open it. Let it fly away
β If it's still there after a couple of hours, or if it has a drooping wing, bleeding, or trouble breathing, call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator
β Use ahnow.org (Animal Help Now) to find help near you
If a cat caught it:
β Even if it looks fine, take it to a rehabilitator. Cat saliva carries bacteria that can be fatal without antibiotics
Important:
β It's illegal to keep wild birds in the US. Most are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
β Don't try to raise or nurse it yourself
Prevention:
β Put markers on your windows (spaced about 2 inches apart)
β Turn off unnecessary lights at night during migration
β Keep cats indoors
Every bird you help is a journey that can continue.
Save this post.
You may need it. π§‘
