Save Sick, Injured, & Orphaned Birds - California

Many of the birds that are brought to us for rehabilitation are victims of situations that can be easily avoided. We ask that you please keep in mind that humans have the ability to save innocent birds and animals from injury or death by simply saying no to things that are harmful to them.

One of the most heartbreaking situations is to have an innocent white ringneck dove brought to us because it was used in a ceremonial release at a wedding, funeral, or some type of special event. Please be aware that ringneck doves in the United States are completely domesticated, have no ability to find their way home, and have no ability to survive on their own. Please, just say no to the ceremonial release of any type of living creature! Though not animate objects, balloons and lanterns should also not be released as they not only frighten birds and animals that encounter them but can also be perceived as food and ingested by wildlife when they end up on the ground or in a body of water. Strings and ribbons tied to balloons can also entangle birds and animals resulting in the loss of their lives.

The adult, male, English House Sparrow caught in a glue trap was one of the fortunate ones. It was found and brought to us for care and survived. Any living creature caught in a glue trap faces a long and torturous death. There are more humane methods available that allow for the capture and relocation of unwanted rodents or insects. Please, just say no to glue traps!

For the safety of your cat as well as the safety of the wildlife in your yard, please keep your cat inside or build it an outside enclosure (catio) where it can enjoy the fresh air and sunshine without being able to predate birds and animals. Putting a bell on your cat's collar doesn't mean it can't or won't catch a fledgling bird or a baby bunny. Please, just say no to free roaming cats!

Here in Southern California baby bird season starts as early as December/January for hummingbirds with other species nesting and raising babies from February into September.  Many, many baby birds lose their homes to tree trimming done during baby bird season. Sometimes the nests can be put back in nearby trees or shrubs, but when this isn’t possible, the tiny birds become homeless and have to be brought to rehabilitators to be raised.  Humans are a poor substitute for the natural bird parents. Please, just say no to tree trimming during baby bird season!

Careless littering of things like fishing line, fishing hooks, plastic and glass bottles, plastic six-pack rings, food containers, and balloons can result in illness, injury, and death for the wildlife that falls victim to harmful litter. Always properly dispose of litter when you encounter it. Don’t litter and be caring enough to pick up harmful litter left by others. Please, just say no to littering!

Every year there are chickens, ducks, quail, rabbits, and other small animals raised in classrooms by well-meaning teachers. Sadly, many of these teachers don’t arrange for permanent homes for these little creatures when the classroom hatching project is done, and the little birds and animals end up being abandoned in public parks when they get larger, louder, and messier. People rationalize that the birds and animals will be better off in the wild. That is categorically untrue. These are domestic birds and animals with zero ability to survive on their own in the wild for their normal life spans. Easter is another time when people fail to use their good sense and make impulse purchases of the cute little birds and animals readily available at feed stores, swap meets, and pet stores. Sadly, the impulse buys also often end up being abandoned when the novelty wears off and they become inconvenient. Please, just say no to classroom hatchings and impulse buys!