What To Do With Injured and Orphaned Birds

Stunned and Injured Birds:

What to Do with a Stunned or Injured Bird

You may try to contain an injured bird in a paper bag or box.  Close the bag or box securely so that the bird does not escape to a place where it cannot be caught.  Place the bag or box in a quiet, dark area away from extreme heat or cold.  Do not offer the bird any food or water.  Call Chicago Bird Collision Monitors at (773) 988-1867 or visit their website at www.birdmonitors.net for more information.

Young and Baby Birds:

What to Do if You Found a Baby Bird (.PDF document)

Before doing anything for the bird, please read this article produced by the Fox Valley Wildlife Center.

Who Should I Call for Help:

Contact local wildlife rehabilitators/centers, suburban animal control or Chicago Bird Collision Monitors.

• Chicago Bird Collision Monitors Hotline, (773) 988-1867 - Chicagoland Area
• Willowbrook Wildlife Center, (630) 942-6200 - Glen Ellyn, IL
  (Help Desk can offer information and referrals 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
• Fox Valley Wildlife Center, (630) 365-3800 - Elburn, IL
• Fellow Mortals, (847) 602-0628 - Lake Geneva, WI
  (north of Lake Co. IL)

Scan these links for a list of additional rehabbers permitted by the state (IDNR) to care for birds.

How Else Can I Help?:

Most, if not all, of the organizations listed on this page depend on help from volunteers.  These groups also rely heavily on donations from foundations and individuals.  Funding is a serious issue that has forced many rehab. facilities to close their doors or turn away injured birds due to a lack of resources.  What would we do with our injured birds if these organizations didn't exist?  Please consider returning the favor through your financial and / or volunteer support.