Baby Birds

If you find what you think is an orphaned baby bird, DO NOT PICK IT UP unless it is in immediate danger or looks very young with no feathers. Some fledgling birds spend time on the ground and are unable to fly but are still being cared for by their parents. Taking a healthy fledgling away from its parents greatly reduces its chances of survival. 

Instead, station someone a short distance away to watch and protect the bird while you reference the information in our flow chart, or contact the appropriate wildlife rescue organization listed below.

For more information about baby birds out of nests, and when they do or don’t need help, read our web page about baby birds.

Injured Birds

If you find an injured bird and can safely pick it up without injury to yourself, place it in a closed cardboard box and put the box in a warm, quiet place. Then, reference the information at Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley or contact the appropriate wildlife rescue organization listed below.

Useful Links

How to handle a wildlife emergency and injured birds/animals: https://www.werc-ca.org/wildlifeemergencies

What to do if you find an injured bird or other animal: https://www.nativeanimalrescue.org/

What to do if you find an injured hawk or owl: https://www.spcamc.org/programs-resources/wildlife-rescue-rehabilitation/raptors.html

What to do if you find an injured seabird or gull: https://www.spcamc.org/programs-resources/wildlife-rescue-rehabilitation/seabirds.html

What to do if you find a baby or injured hummingbird: https://www.nativeanimalrescue.org/found-an-animal/hummingbirds/

Emergency help for birds: https://birdrescuecenter.org/rescue-info/

What to do if you find a lost pet bird: http://www.mickaboo.org/lost-found-birds companion birds (parrot-type and other commonly domesticated birds)

We also have information on how to prevent birds becoming entangled in fishing line.

In the South Bay:

Small Birds (songbirds, pigeons, etc.), Mammals and other animals:

Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley, San Jose (408) 929-9453. Open for intake 7 days a week, 9am-3pm

Birds (including birds of prey, pelicans, herons, songbirds) and other animals:

Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center, Morgan Hill, (408) 779-9372 or message them on Facebook. Hours, everyday: 9:00am-3:00pm

Aquatic Birds (including ducks, cormorants, shorebirds, pelicans):

International Bird Rescue, Fairfield, California (serving the Bay Area)

Pet Parrot Rescue:

If you find a lost pet parrot, check out the information at Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue.

Northern California Bird HelpLine at 707.207.0380 Extension 110

On the Peninsula:

Peninsula Humane Society, 650-340-7022. During business hours: Burlingame. After hours: San Mateo

Report injured marine mammals: (415)-289-7325, Marine Mammal Center

In Santa Cruz County:

Native Animal Rescue, (831) 462-0726, 1855 17th Ave, Santa Cruz. Open for intake 8 am and 8 pm.

For animals requiring beach rescue or other technical rescue see Native Animal Rescue’s Contacts Page.

Report injured marine mammals: (415)-289-7325, Marine Mammal Center

In Monterey County:

SPCA Monterey County, 831-264-5427, 1002 Monterey-Salinas Highway, across from WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

In the East Bay:

Lindsay Wildlife Museum, Hospital Hotline Voicemail at (925) 659-8156

In Sonoma County:

Bird Rescue Center of Sonoma County, (707)523-2473, 3430 Chanate Road, Santa Rosa (physical location: on County Farm Drive). Open 9:00 - 5:00 daily.