Text verions of our hand out on FOTF with information about orphaned and injured wild birds... First and foremost, healthy baby birds should be raised by their parents and only removed from their environment as a matter of last resort. This document has been designed to assist in determining the disposition of suspected orphans, however, if possible contact a permitted bird rehabilitator for advice before taking any action. Also, please DO NOT attempt to give a wild baby bird anything to eat or drink without first speaking to an experienced rehabilitator. Baby birds aspirate easily on drops of water and can quickly drown or develop respiratory infections when given oral fluids.

FOTF, Who we are

Friends of the feathered (FOTF) is a privately funded, family staffed organization dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of native species of avian wildlife; specializing in the rehabilitation and re-integration of orphaned and injured migratory songbirds indigenous to coastal Carolina.

Our facility is located at our downtown Charleston residence from which we have served the Charleston peninsula and surrounding community for over six years. Working closely with the Charleston County Urban Forestry Division, SCDNR, USFWS and a number of area veterinary clinics to provide conservation assistance to one of our most precious natural resources, our native avian wildlife.

Injured or Orphaned Bird FAQS

I found a nestling bird outside of its nest, what should I do? A bird that is not well feathered (hatchling or nestling), or one that is not strong enough to stand, should be placed back into the nest. If you cannot reach the nest, make a substitute nest from a small wicker or hanging basket etc. Line the makeshift nest with pine needles, leaves or strips of paper towel. Place the basket as close to the original nest as possible, being careful to provide some natural shade for the nestlings. Watch the nest(s) for several hours to ensure that the parents are returning to feed their young. If the parents do not return contact FOTF or another federally permitted rehabilitator for immediate assistance.

I suspect a nest of birds has been orphaned, what should I do? If you suspect that an entire nest of birds has been orphaned and the nest is not in immediate danger, first observe the nest from a safe distance for several hours to ensure that a parent is not returning to feed the nestlings. Parent birds have extremely strong instincts to care for their offspring and are not deterred easily, even when nesting in close proximity to humans. If the nest is in immediate danger or the parents are known to be injured or dead secure the birds in a clean nest like box with adequate air holes and contact FOTF or another federally permitted rehabilitator for immediate assistance.

If I put a baby bird back in the nest will the parents reject it? No, this is a myth, most birds do not have a keen sense of smell and will not reject or harm the baby if you touch it.

Birds are nesting in my garage, what should I do? If a nest has been built in your garage or outbuilding make sure that a small access remains for birds to fly in and out to continue caring for their young and limit your access to the area during the short period required for them to fledge. For example, Carolina Wrens (our state bird) often nest in such areas and require very short periods of time to complete the nesting process. Eggs are laid and incubated for up to 14 days, then feed in the nest for another 14 days prior to fledging. Please be kind and share your spaces with these wonderful creatures.

I found a healthy fledgling, how can I help? Fledgling songbirds that are well feathered and hopping strongly (or walking) will not stay in a nest if returned. These fledglings can be on the ground for several days while strengthening their wing muscles before they are able to fly. These orphans require a different approach to verify their disposition. Place the fledgling on a nearby branch off of the ground or in a safe location in the vicinity where it was originally found (preferably in the shade) and leave the area. Listen and watch for an adult calling to its babies or carrying food around. Watch carefully to ensure the parents find the baby bird. If after several hours a parent does not return to feed the bird(s), contact FOTF or another federally permitted rehabilitator for assistance.

I found an injured baby bird, how can I help? If the baby bird is obviously injured, cold, or has been caught by a cat or dog, then the animal cannot be returned to its family and needs to be taken to a wildlife rehabilitator . Getting the bird(s) to a rehabilitator quickly is imperative for their survival. Young birds may require special feedings as frequently as every 30 minutes. However, please do not attempt to feed or give fluids to the animals unless instructed by an experienced rehabilitator. Place the baby bird in a covered box with air holes and line with cloth. Keep it warm using a hot water bottle or a heating pad set on low, with the box placed half on and half off of the heating pad surface. Immediately contact FOTF or another federally permitted rehabilitator to arrange transfer.

Should I take an injured or potentially orphaned bird to a veterinary clinic or domestic animal rescue organization? Providing medical care for or raising orphaned or injured songbirds is a highly specialized and time consuming endeavor. Most veterinary clinics or domestic animal rescue organizations in the Charleston area are not equipped for, nor are they trained to provide the level of care required by wild avian patients. Moreover, the majority are either unaware of or completely disregard the federal laws governing the possession and rehabilitation of avian wildlife. From our experience a number of these facilities repeatedly transfer avian wildlife protected by the MBTA (Migratory Bird Treaty Act) to individuals who are nether adequately trained or legally authorized by the USFWS permit office to be in possession of these creatures, which is a direct violation of federal law. With the above in mind it is our advice that you contact a federally permitted, migratory songbird rehabilitator directly. Do not hesitate to ask for verification of the credentials of a rehabilitator as it is mandatory that all permitted individuals carry copies of their permits while conducting avian transport or rehabilitation activities. To locate a permitted rehabilitator, request more information or permit validation you may contact the USFWS Migratory Bird permit office at (404) 679-7070.

Important Considerations

First and foremost, healthy baby birds should be raised by their parents and only removed from their environment as a matter of last resort. This document has been designed to assist in determining the disposition of suspected orphans, however, if possible contact a permitted bird rehabilitator for advice before taking any action. Also, please DO NOT attempt to give a wild baby bird anything to eat or drink without first speaking to an experienced rehabilitator. Baby birds aspirate easily on drops of water and can quickly drown or develop respiratory infections when given oral fluids.

Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), it is federally prohibited to harm or possess any native migratory avian species, disturb or remove their nests, babies or eggs.

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