Okanogan Wildlife League

1. Is the baby bird a duckling or a gosling?

Yes - See below.

No - Go to 2.

2. Is the baby bird hurt or sick? (Bleeding, shivering, lethargic, attacked by a cat or dog, etc?)

Yes - Call a Wildlife Rehabilitator (509) 560-3828.

No - Go to 3.

3. Is the bird feathered?

Yes - Go to 4.

No - Go to 5.

4. If it’s hopping on the ground, it’s a fledgling.  Are cats, dogs or people threatening the bird?

Yes - Keep all pets and people away.  Watch from a distance. Go to 6.

No - Go to 6.

5. The baby is a nestling.  Can you find the nest?  Is it intact?

Yes - Place the baby back in the nest.  Watch from a distance. Go to 6.

No - Place the baby in a surrogate nest (see below), close to where it was found and off the ground (preferably in a tree or bush), out of the sun, rain, etc. Watch from a distance. Go to 6.

6.  Are the parents nearby and/or visiting? (WATCH FROM A DISTANCE, for 2-4 hours)

Yes - Leave the area.  Baby is fine.

No - Call a Wildlife Rehabilitator (509) 560-3828.

 

Ducklings and Goslings

 

If you know the mother is dead, or if the baby is injured, call a wildlife rehabilitator.

 

If the baby is separated from the mother and you know where she is, place the baby close to the flock so she can hear the baby. Watch from a distance.  If the baby joins the flock and the mother does not reject him, leave the area, the baby is fine.

 

If the baby is rejected, or if the mother cannot be found, call a wildlife rehabilitator.

 

How to make a surrogate nest

 

1. Find a container such as a small box (Kleenex box, butter dish, etc.).

 

2. Fill the box with leaves, paper towels or a clean, soft cloth.

 

3. Place the nest in the tree or bush closest to where the animal was found, out of the sun and rain, as high up as you can safely manage.  You can secure with a bungee cord, rope, tape, etc.

 

4. Place the animal(s) in the nest (wear gloves) and leave the area.  Watch for 2-4 hours to ensure that the parents visit or return to the nest.