What to do if you find a bird in the rain?
If you find a bird struggling in the rain, your instinct might be to help. Here’s what you need to know: what to do if you find a bird in the rain? The best course of action is usually to observe from a distance; only intervene if the bird is clearly injured or in immediate danger, providing temporary shelter if necessary.
Understanding Birds and Rain
Birds are remarkably resilient creatures, generally well-equipped to handle wet weather. Their feathers, when properly preened, provide a natural water repellent, thanks to a special oil secreted by the uropygial gland (also known as the preen gland). This oil helps keep their feathers waterproof, allowing them to fly and maintain body temperature even in damp conditions. However, sometimes birds can get into trouble during heavy rainstorms, especially young birds or those that are injured or ill. Knowing what to do if you find a bird in the rain? is crucial for responsible assistance.
Assessing the Situation
Before taking any action, carefully assess the bird’s condition. Is it visibly injured, such as having a broken wing or leg? Is it shivering uncontrollably, indicating hypothermia? Is it a very young bird (a fledgling) that appears to have fallen out of its nest? These factors will determine the appropriate response. Observation is key to determining if intervention is truly necessary.
Steps to Take if Intervention is Needed
If, after observation, you determine that the bird needs help, follow these steps:
- Determine if it’s a Fledgling or a Nestling: Fledglings are young birds that have recently left the nest and are learning to fly. They may appear clumsy, but their parents are usually nearby, continuing to feed them. Nestlings are very young birds that have not yet developed feathers or the ability to leave the nest.
- If it’s a Fledgling: If the bird is a fledgling and not in immediate danger (e.g., near a road or predator), leave it alone. Its parents are likely nearby and will continue to care for it. You can monitor it from a safe distance to ensure its safety.
- If it’s a Nestling or Injured Adult: If the bird is a nestling or an injured adult, intervention is usually necessary.
- Gently Capture the Bird: Using gloved hands or a towel, gently capture the bird. Avoid squeezing it too tightly, as this can cause further injury.
- Provide Temporary Shelter: Place the bird in a cardboard box lined with soft, clean towels or paper towels. Avoid using fabrics with loose loops, as the bird’s claws can get tangled.
- Keep it Warm: If the bird is shivering, provide a source of warmth, such as a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel or a heating pad set on low. Be careful not to overheat the bird.
- Do Not Offer Food or Water: Unless you are specifically instructed to do so by a wildlife rehabilitator, do not offer the bird food or water. Improper feeding can cause serious health problems.
- Contact a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator: The most important step is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible. They have the expertise and resources to provide the bird with the proper care. A list of licensed rehabilitators can usually be found through your local animal shelter or humane society.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When attempting to help a bird in the rain, avoid these common mistakes:
- Assuming all birds need help: As mentioned earlier, many birds are perfectly capable of handling wet weather on their own.
- Trying to raise a wild bird yourself: Raising a wild bird requires specialized knowledge and resources. It is illegal in many jurisdictions to possess wild birds without a permit.
- Giving the bird food or water without consulting a rehabilitator: This can cause more harm than good.
- Keeping the bird as a pet: Wild birds belong in the wild.
The Role of Feathers in Rain Protection
Birds’ feathers are designed for more than just flight; they provide excellent insulation and waterproofing. The structure of the feathers, with interlocking barbs and barbules, creates a dense barrier that repels water. The uropygial gland produces an oily secretion that birds spread over their feathers during preening. This oil further enhances the water-repellent properties of their plumage. Disruptions to this natural waterproofing process, such as oil spills or diseases that affect preening behavior, can make birds vulnerable to the effects of rain.
The Impact of Habitat Loss
Habitat loss can exacerbate the challenges birds face during rainy weather. When birds lack adequate shelter from the elements, they are more likely to become hypothermic or injured. Providing suitable habitats, such as trees and shrubs, can help birds weather storms more effectively. Consider planting native vegetation in your yard to create a bird-friendly environment.
| Factor | Impact on Birds in Rain | Mitigation Strategies |
|---|---|---|
| —————— | ————————- | ————————————————- |
| Feather Condition | Water Repellency | Support Healthy Preening: Minimize pollutants |
| Habitat Availability | Shelter from Elements | Plant Native Trees and Shrubs |
| Bird’s Age | Vulnerability | Observe; provide shelter only if absolutely needed |
| Injury/Illness | Increased Risk | Contact Wildlife Rehabilitator |
The Importance of Professional Help
Wildlife rehabilitators are trained professionals who have the knowledge and expertise to provide injured or orphaned birds with the care they need to recover and return to the wild. They understand the specific dietary needs of different bird species, can diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries, and have the facilities to provide appropriate housing and care. What to do if you find a bird in the rain? Get it to a professional. Contacting a rehabilitator is always the best course of action when you find a bird in distress.
Long-Term Solutions for Bird Conservation
Beyond helping individual birds in need, there are many ways to contribute to bird conservation efforts. Supporting organizations that protect bird habitats, reducing your use of pesticides, and keeping cats indoors are all ways to help ensure that birds thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best way to capture a bird without hurting it?
The safest way to capture a bird is to use gloved hands or a soft towel. Approach the bird slowly and calmly, and gently scoop it up. Avoid grabbing the bird forcefully, as this can cause injury. Place the bird in a cardboard box with soft bedding to transport it.
Is it okay to put a baby bird back in its nest if it falls out?
If you find a nestling (a very young bird without feathers) that has fallen out of its nest, it is generally safe to put it back. Birds do not have a strong sense of smell, so the mother bird will not reject it simply because you touched it. However, if you cannot find the nest or if the nest is inaccessible, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
How do I keep a rescued bird warm?
You can keep a rescued bird warm by placing it in a cardboard box lined with soft towels or paper towels and providing a gentle heat source. A hot water bottle wrapped in a towel or a heating pad set on low are good options. Be careful not to overheat the bird.
What should I feed a bird I find in the rain?
Unless specifically instructed by a wildlife rehabilitator, do not feed the bird anything. Different bird species have different dietary needs, and improper feeding can cause serious health problems.
How can I tell if a bird is really injured or just stunned?
Injured birds will often exhibit obvious signs of trauma, such as a broken wing or leg, bleeding, or difficulty breathing. Stunned birds may appear dazed or disoriented but will usually recover within a few minutes to a few hours. Observe the bird from a safe distance for a while before intervening.
What if I can’t find a wildlife rehabilitator near me?
If you cannot find a wildlife rehabilitator nearby, contact your local animal shelter, humane society, or veterinarian. They may be able to provide temporary care or connect you with a rehabilitator in a neighboring area.
Is it legal to keep a wild bird as a pet?
It is illegal in most jurisdictions to keep a wild bird as a pet without a permit. Wild birds belong in the wild and require specialized care that most people are not equipped to provide.
How long can a bird survive in the rain?
A bird’s survival in the rain depends on factors like its age, health, feather condition, and access to shelter. Healthy adult birds with good plumage can typically withstand rain for extended periods. Young, injured, or ill birds are more vulnerable and may require assistance.
What are some signs of hypothermia in birds?
Signs of hypothermia in birds include shivering, fluffing up their feathers to trap heat, and lethargy. If you suspect a bird is hypothermic, provide it with a warm, dry shelter and contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
Can rain cause birds to drown?
While uncommon, birds can drown in heavy rain, especially if they are already weak or injured. Small birds can also become waterlogged and unable to fly.
What should I do if I accidentally injured a bird?
If you accidentally injured a bird, immediately contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. They can assess the bird’s injuries and provide the appropriate treatment. Do your best to contain the bird and keep it safe until professional help arrives.
What resources can I consult to learn more about helping birds?
Numerous resources are available to help you learn more about assisting birds. Your local Audubon Society chapter, wildlife rehabilitator associations, and online bird conservation organizations offer valuable information and guidance. Doing your research will further answer the question “What to do if you find a bird in the rain?“