Helping a Debilitated Bird - International Bird Rescue

Found a Sick or Injured Bird?

Call our BirdHelpline
Hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm PST

No answer? Please leave a message and our team will return your call as soon as possible. Please note: returned calls may appear from a 401 area code due to our Google Voice system.

Before You Call – Is Bird Rescue Right For You?

We want every bird to get the right care as quickly as possible. Taking a moment to check whether we’re the best fit can make a real difference.

Found a waterbird? International Bird Rescue specializes in native aquatic birds and waterbirds such as pelicans, gulls, herons, grebes, loons, ducks, shorebirds, cormorants, and other seabirds.

Found another type of wildlife, including songbirds, hawks, owls, mammals, reptiles, or other animals? Another wildlife rehabilitation center will likely be able to assist you more quickly and they’re just one click away.

Avian influenza (bird flu): Take precautions before handling Due to ongoing bird flu in wild birds, rescuers should take precautions when handling a bird. Contact your local animal control department first if possible. If you do handle a bird make sure to wear gloves, wash hands thoroughly and change clothes afterward, and keep pets away from the bird. Learn more about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and how YOU can help prevent the spread of Bird Flu here.

If you’re ready to safely assist a waterbird, here’s how to tell if it needs help and what to do next.

Signs the bird needs help:

Covered in oil
Visible injuries
Cannot stand or hold head up
Fishing line or hooks attached
Stranded away from water or in unsafe location
Attacked by a pet or animal
Cannot fly after several hours
Weak, thin, or unresponsive

If you can safely contain it:

Place in a ventilated cardboard box
Keep warm, dark, and quiet
Keep pets and people away
Do not give food or water

Only attempt containment if it is safe for both you and the bird.

What to have ready when you call

Your exact location
The type of bird, if known (it’s okay if you’re unsure)
Photos or video of the bird if possible
Description of the situation and whether the bird is in immediate danger

This helps our team assess the situation and provide guidance as quickly as possible.

Transport & Pickup

Bird Rescue is not always able to provide field pickup or transportation assistance.
If you are able to safely transport the bird to a wildlife care center, it may help the bird receive care more quickly.

Please call ahead before transporting to one of our two California wildlife centers below:

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
San Francisco Bay-Delta Wildlife Center
4369 Cordelia Road
Fairfield, California 94534

[P] 707-456-4528

Get directions

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Los Angeles Wildlife Center
3601 S. Gaffey Street, Box 3
San Pedro, California 90731

[P] 310-402-0642