Large waterfowl like pelicans and herons use their beaks as their primary defense and often are attracted to eyes. When capturing, always be aware of the beak and wear proper PPE if possible (sunglasses work well).

• *Pelicans cannot breathe when you hold their beak closed so make sure you keep a finger in between their beak when handling

• * Large seabirds have a very powerful bite and often defecate when picked up so make sure to stand clear of the animal’s vent while handling.

To capture you can use a towel, blanket, or even a jacket. You want to throw it over the bird aiming for the head and eyes. Once the head is covered, contain the beak and then fold the wings in. When moving any bird you want to keep the wings safely folded into the body, like you are carrying a football tucked in between your arm and armpit, to ensure further injury does not occur. Place the bird inside a container with a secure lid. Cardboard boxes, large plastic bins with holes in them, or cat kennels are a sufficient container. Try to avoid using a bird cage, or anything with openings more than 1” as they can cause more injury.

Birds of Prey use their feet as their main source of defense, so when capturing, always be aware of the talons. The exception are vultures, whose primary defense is biting. When handling any of these species please use appropriate PPE for protection, specifically work gloves.

To capture you need a sturdy container like a cardboard box, recycle bin, or plastic tote (make sure air holes are present), and a sturdy piece of plastic or wood you can use to slide under the container. You are going to place the box over the bird and then slide the piece of sturdy material underneath. Once trapped tape/ fasten the container and whatever material you slide underneath together. If you cannot capture the animal using this method throw a thick towel or blanket over the animal and make sure to contain the feet then swiftly move to a holding container. DO NOT FEED or offer water to the animal and keep the container in a dark and quiet location until you are able to give it to the rehabilitator.

Songbirds can pack a painful bite so its best to handle them with a dishtowel just in case. You have a much better chance of injuring them when handling than they do to you.

Doves have a soft pliable beak and can not bite you. They do get highly stressed when being handled and sometimes will “stress molt” where a large portion of feathers are released to evade the attacker so please try to handle them as swiftly as possible, if necessary.

Songbirds and Doves often fly into mobile and immobile objects leaving them temporarily stunned. If you notice one on the ground, seemingly unable to fly but don’t see any blood, one wing drooping lower than the other, or open mouth breathing, they may just be recovering from the impact. It is best to put them in a shoebox or similar containment device for about an hour or two then take them back to where the were found and see if they fly away. If they are in no immediate danger where they were found, you may leave them there and check back in about an hour. If they don’t fly away the second time please contact a wildlife rehabilitator for further guidance.