[Evangelista]

Hello everyone,

I was out on my morning stroll, I have lived in the same area for several years now, and every year a colony of Cliff Swallows builds their nests in the Spring, under a bridge I walk under. I have gotten used to my little friends, I talk to them as I pass, they will usually stick their heads out and listen to my rambling.

The colony moved on a couple of weeks ago, but this morning as I passed their now empty homes, I found a little one standing alone in the middle of the path. It has been very hot here, it got to be 117 yesterday, I am sure she is dehydrated, she could barely open her eyes, and she was just standing there. I was so scared someone on the path, like a bicyclist would accidently run her down.

So I took off one of my socks and wrapped her in it, I have been dropping water into her mouth and she is perking up a bit. I am trying to locate a number of a bird sanctuary. I have helped baby animals before, but this will be my first birdie..

Any info on how to rescucitate a little feathered friend until I get the experts on the phone?

Thank you all..I know there are other animal lovers out there who have done this sort of thing..I just could not leave her there to die..alone...

Eva..

[Gemstone]

(((( Eva )))))

I'm glad you found the baby.

I found this on the National Zoos webpage.

Emergency Care for Baby Birds

If you discover abandoned baby birds (lacking feathers and unable to hop), the first and most important thing to do is make sure the birds are warm. Birds that have fallen out of the nest chill very quickly and are susceptible to pneumonia. You can warm up a small songbird easily by holding it in your hands. Next, you should identify the species of the abandoned nestling. The two most common species are the House Sparrow and the European Starling.

House Sparrow

Clear chirp similar to that of an adult
Orange gape inside the mouth
Rather small nestling
Starling

Noisy squawking bird with a slurred chirp
Large, bright yellow bill phlanges (mouth flaps), which can be as large as 1/8 inch wide
Orange gape inside mouth
Larger nestling
If the nestling does not fit the above descriptions, it is probably a bird that cannot be kept legally. You should contact a licensed wildlife rehabiltator, whose number can be found in the phone book.

Nestling Songbirds

Care
Babies with no feathers, a little fuzz, or pinfeathers need a soft, snug, cup-shaped nest of tissue in a small container—don't use cotton, grass, or existing bird nests. The cup shape is necessary to support their bodies, sprawling may cause them injury. Plastic berry containers make an excellent framework for a tissue nest and are easily cleaned. Warm chilled nestlings in your hands, then put them in the tissue-nest container and put it on a heating pad (low setting) or hot water bottle or under a light. Never put them in direct sunlight—they may overheat. Put the nest (and pad) in a larger box for safety. Handle the birds only when necessary. They should always feel warm to the touch.

Diet
Feed bits of dog or cat kibble soaked in hot water (sugar-water for the first day or two) mixed with hard-boiled egg yolk and baby cereal. The bird may be dehydrated at first so it is important that the food be moist. White or wheat bread moistened with sugar-water can be used as an emergency diet for a few feedings only. Put food in the back of the nestling's mouth when it gapes. Feed them every 30 to 60 minutes during daylight hours. Initial feedings with very weak birds can be given every 15 minutes, tapering off as the bird regains its strength. Give each bird a few pieces per feeding. Do not put liquids in nestlings' mouths.

Fledgling Songbirds

Care
Young birds that are mostly feathered and learning to fly need safe, roomy cages with sticks from your yard as perches, fastened securely. A cardboard box with sticks fastened through it and a screen cover will do in a pinch. Fledglings don't usually need extra warmth. Handle birds only when necessary.

Diet
Dog or cat kibble soaked in hot water; chopped, canned dogfood; lean raw beef; and soft fruits such as grapes, plumped raisins, or canned peaches. Cut food into small pieces and feed every hour or so during the day, several pieces per feeding. Drops of liquid can be given off the tip of your finger, one drop at a time.

Once the bird is moving around on its own its time to start weaning away from hand-feeding. Offer portions of its favorite food items and bird seed in the cage. The curious fledglings will peck at the seed and begin to feed themselves. A few days after self-feeding has started you can faze out hand-feeding. Take care not to make water pans to deep.

Other bird species such as pigeons, ducklings, quail, shorebirds, hawks, and owls should not be fed and cared for the same way and may not be kept legally. If you find one of these species in need of help, be sure to consult with a qualified rehabilitor as soon as possible.

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/Bi...rgencycare.cfm

[Gemstone]

More info here: http://www.starlingtalk.com/emergencycare.htm

[Evangelista]

((((((((((((Gems)))))))))))))))))))

Oh Thank you so very much!!!!...she is a fledgling..has all her feathers, just a few kinda soft ones falling out. The diet was very helpful..I know they eat insects..but did not want to appear like a maniac outside swatting for bugs to feed her..BIG SMILE..

Thank you this has been very helpful...she is so cute..I hope she will make it..

Eva..

[Gemstone]

I hope so too. She is probably better off since she has her feathers to help keep her warm. I'm just glad you found her!

Good luck with her.

[Evangelista]

((((Gems))))

She is going ga ga for the sugar water, but will make sure and not give her to much to soon..I like the idea of soaking bread in it, but will wait until a little later..thanks again..this info has been very helpful..

Eva..

[Evangelista]

(((((Gems))))))

The little lost winged one has found a home, she was much better after the rehydration efforts. A local wildlife rehab group, which I did not even know was in the area, took her in. The initial exam was that one of her eyes was not blinking very well and it was dry, so their vet was going to look at her. But they said she should be fine....

The GREAT news is that I signed up to be a volunteer..I told them I would work wherever they needed me to...and then she mentioned they have the big Raptors..and my heart skipped..the thought of working with Hawks, Owls, and Eagles would be a dream come true...

I know I would start out by feeding them and cleaning their cages..but still..this would be something that I would have never thought I would have a chance at doing...I was around them growing up living in the high desert, I came into contact with all sorts of wildlife, including cougars..

...wow..my Spirit guide is a Golden Hawk..so all things winged have special meaning to my life...thank you again Gem for helping me save this little one lost..

Eva



My heart is soaring..wow..

[Gemstone]

Wow! That is such awesome news! I'm so excited for you.

You found the little one a new home, and you will be able to help so many more.

The little one must have found you for a reason.

When do you start?

[Evangelista]

They are suppose to call me with a date for orientation, then after that it is just scheduling the 4 hour shifts I wil be working..

I think this will be a really good oppurtunity I cant wait to start, my unstructured time has been the worse and I am tired of working so much just to avoid free time free fall, and with this activity, I think it will be a good fit. Although I have not talked it over with my T's, I can't forsee an issue they know how much I connect with the outdoors and animals.

Eva..

[MyBestKids2]

Miracles do fall out of the sky!



Hugs,
Dee

[January]

((((((((( Eva ))))))))))

I don't know anything about taking care of baby birds, but I want you to know I think you're awesome for rescuing it.

Hugs,

Jan