Found a Bird? 

Here's what to do:

The best thing to do if you find a baby bird is to leave it alone. If the bird appears as though it has fallen from a nest, an attempt to locate the nest can be made, and the bird can be carefully returned. If the bird has feathers, it may be a fledged bird and a parent bird is probably close by. As long as the bird is in no danger from cats or other predators, it is best to watch the bird from a distance to see if a parent returns after an hour or so before determining that the bird needs human help.

Birds do not have a true sense of smell, so the myth that birds will reject a baby bird if touched by a human is not true. A baby bird that has been touched by a human, however, does make it easier for a predator (cat, raccoon, etc.) to find.

If a nest cannot be located or the bird is “rescued,” the first important step is to call a rehabilitator to care for the bird. Second, provide warmth to the baby bird. A hot water bottle or low heating pad or even hot water in a glass bottle will do. Also, remember the Migratory Bird Treaty Act makes it illegal to handle most wild birds without a permit in North America so please contact a professional for assistance. For more information on the legal aspects go here. 

How you can help an injured bird or animal? Visit Wildlife Rescue of New Mexico for information. Their phone number is: 505-344-2500