Loons, Grebes, Cormorants and Herons
*ATTENTION*
These species can be symptomatically or asymptomatically infected with the H5N1 viral strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Do not handle these species without gloves or until speaking to a permitted wildlife rehabilitator. If a bird needs medical attention it must be brought to a rehabilitator that has an HPAI quarantine facility.
If you would like more information on HPAI please click the link below.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the Agricultural Community | Blogs | CDC
Please read this page for information on what to do if you found a bird that might need help.
For injured/ill birds please scroll to the bottom.
Orphaned?
Below is a list of signs to determine if the young are orphaned and need to be assessed by a permitted wildlife rehabilitator:
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Known trauma, wound, drooping wing, severe limp, nasal/ocular discharge or crusts, etc. Do not approach if ill until you speak with us.
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If a bird is covered in mites, flies, fly eggs (they look like tiny grains of rice), etc. they need medical attention.
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Cats create lacerations as well as tiny punctures that can seal over and create pockets that become infected.
Dogs create crushing injuries when they bite. Internal injuries may not present for a couple of days.
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If any young bird has been under human care or fed anything from a human caretaker a permitted wildlife rehabilitator needs to be contacted.
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These species should be with their mother/parents until they are full grown. If you see healthy, unijnured, alert babies without a mother please try to reunite them with her immediately. Contact us if you are unsure which species they are or you have other questions.
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If the baby is otherwise uninjured and reuniting is an option, then warm it and contact us immediately.
Don’t Be A Kidnapper!
Accidentally taking babies that are not true orphans can be a death sentence. These species are very high stress and do not do well in captivity. They also are HPAI species, which means that there may not be a facility for them to go to. Wild animals always do best with their parents. Please be 100% sure that the birds you found are orphans and speak to a permitted wildlife rehabilitator BEFORE you intervene! If you see a baby animal without its mother please keep your distance and give her time to find it. Contact us while you wait.
Reunification
We prefer you contact us before trying to reunite these species. If the babies do not meet the orphan criteria previously discussed and we have advised you, then you may proceed. When you put the babies with the parents they should eagerly accept them. If they are being picked on remove the babies immediately. If you know for a fact where the mother/parents are follow these steps to reunite them.
Contain the birds and make sure they are healthy, alert and uninjured.
Confirm the species you found. This is imperative if you are trying to reunite with their mom. Some species will not accept new babies.
Make sure she can hear them peeping in the box. Once they have her attention slowly open the box and let the babies out. Try not to move or speak until they are reunited.
If the mother or other siblings bite/attack the orphans please remove them and contact an HPAI quarantine facility for further advice. If they accept them, congratulations! You have reunited a family. You will need to monitor them for 20 minutes or so. Please do not disturb them anymore.
Containing the Bird(s)
If you believe that the bird(s) needs help, please contact us so we can discuss the situation with you and walk you through safely containing it/them. Your safety should be your top priority. If it is safe for you to do so, please follow these steps to contain the animal(s):
Assemble appropriate protective gear. You MUST wear goggles (not only glasses) and gloves when handling these species. These species peck very hard and have incredible accuracy.
Get an appropriately sized box for the animal. You may also use a pet crate or plastic container as long as there are air holes poked in it before the animal is inside.
Put a pillowcase or thin fleece on the bottom of the box. Do not use fabric that little toenails can get caught in.
Babies: Use a hand towel to very gently pick up the bird and set it into the box. Do not leave the towel on the bird.
Adults: Assume that it will try to bite you. Smoothly toss a hand towel over the bird, gain control of the wings and gently pick it up and place it into the box. Do not leave the towel on the bird. Herons: placing a pillowcase over its head will decrease visual stimulation and make handling easier.
Secure the lid well.
Put a heating pad on low underneath 1/3-1/2 of the box so the bird can move if it gets too hot. Make sure that it is on the lowest setting to prevent burns. Warm water bottles, Hot Hands packs and warmed rice socks also work if you don’t have a heating pad. Do not place these items inside the box with the animal.
Wash your hands.
It is imperative that the bird(s) is brought to an HPAI quarantine facility as soon as possible. If this is not an option, please try to find it a ride. In the meantime, put the box in a warm, dark, quiet area of your garage that is away from pets, children and noise.
DO NOT GIVE ANY FOODS OR LIQUIDS TO THE BIRD(S)!
DO NOT cuddle, hold or talk to the animal!
Note: The information contained in this text regarding health and/or safety precautions may not be adequate for all individuals and/or situations. It is the reader’s obligation to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. We are not responsible for injuries or illnesses occurred from you handling wild animals. Do so at your own risk. If you do not feel comfortable handling the animal do not handle it.