What to do if you find…

Baby Birds of Prey

If the bird has down feathers or is naked,

  1. Warm a cloth by putting it into the microwave oven for 30 seconds. Place the warm cloth in the bottom of a paper bag or a small box with ventilation holes and a top.
  2. Place the bird on the warm cloth in the bag or ventilated box.
  3. Keep the environment as quiet as possible.
  4. Transport the bird to NAR following the directions below.

If the baby is on the ground, uninjured, has feathers, and is able to stand on its own, the bird is probably capable of hopping from branch to branch. Attempt to “re-nest” the baby as follows:

  1. Using gloves and a light towel, gently cover the bird and place it in a branch of the nearest tree.
  2. If there are no predators around, leave the area, but check again in a few hours.
  3. If you believe predators pose a significant risk or you’re unable to re-nest the bird, prepare a box in which to transport the bird.
  4. Place a warm towel in the bottom of a box with ventilation holes and a box top.
  5. Place the bird on the warm towel in the ventilated box and close the box.
  6. Keep the environment as quiet as possible.
  7. Transport the bird to NAR following the directions below.

 

Injured Mature Birds of Prey

Try to determine if the bird is injured or at risk. Without touching it check for:

  • Blood
  • A drooping wing
  • Wing(s) held out from body
  • Obvious leg injury (limping)
  • Hit a window over 45 minutes ago
  • Captured by cat or dog

If any of the above factors are present, please take the following steps:

1. Do not handle, feed, or transport the bird.
2. Contact Native Animal Rescue at 831-462-0726.
3. If you are unable to contact Native Animal Rescue, call Wildlife Emergency Services at 831-429-2323.

 
 

 Click map for directions

map to location

Native Animal Rescue        1855 17th Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Caution: Birds of prey use their talons (long nails on their feet) as a defense. Large birds of prey can inflict a substantial laceration so use care if rescuing! These birds often lay on their backs and wave their talons in defense.

If you are not comfortable capturing the bird, please contact us at 831-462-0726.