Wild Bird Rescue

Contact Us

Wild Bird Hotline
802.359.5000 x212

802.359.5000
info@vinsweb.org

Nature Center Hours

VINS Nature Center
10 AM to 4 PM Daily

Wild Bird Rehab
802.359.5000 x212
8 AM to 4 PM Daily

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When You Find an Injured Bird

Wild animals need professional care when they are sick or injured. Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators are people who dedicate their time and energy to healing sick or injured wildlife and raising orphaned youngsters with the goal of returning them to their natural home. They are licensed by state and federal agencies.  All wild birds are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and it is illegal to keep them or treat them without the proper federal and state permits.

A bird should be rescued when:

  • The bird was seen being injured (such as hit by a car)
  • The bird has an obvious injury (such as a dragging limb or blood on its feathers)
  • The bird is known to be orphaned and is too young to survive on its own
  • The bird is too young to survive on its own and the nest/parents cannot be located or accessed
  • The bird has come into contact with a cat or dog
  • The bird is in immediate or obvious danger

Guidelines when transporting a bird:

  • Provide a quiet, dark place (box with air holes or pet carrier) for birds to rest while waiting for transport
  • Do not handle the birds, or look at them any more than is absolutely necessary - Stress kills!
  • Attempting to feed is NOT recommended - Do not offer food or water unless otherwise instructed by a professional
  • Never transport a bird held in a person's lap or loose in the vehicle
  • Speak quietly, do not play the radio in your car
  • Keep the bird warm, do not blast the AC in your car

Contact the Center for Wild Bird Rehabilitation at VINS

Business Hours: 802.359.5000 x212
After Hours: 802.359.5000 x510

Please leave a message if our wildlife keepers do not answer immediately. Messages are checked frequently, and you will receive a return call as soon as possible. Please leave your name, phone number, and a brief description of the injured bird.

Facts:

CATS carry a bacteria (Pasteurella multocida) in their saliva that is very toxic to birds and can cause death within 48 hours. Any bird found with a cat should be examined by a Wildlife Rehabilitator IMMEDIATELY.

Bird parents DO NOT reject their young if they are handled by humans. Often, the best thing for a baby bird is to be re-nested or reunited with their parents instead of being transported to a wildlife rehabilitator. Bird parents will continue to feed and raise their young even if they have been handled.