How much does it cost to bring a bird to Le Nichoir?
Le Nichoir is a charitable non-profit organization that depends on public donations to support its programs. All of our bird care services are free of charge.
Can I keep a wild bird in captivity?
Most wild birds, their nests, feathers and eggs are protected by different Federal and Provincial laws. Many species fall under protection of the Migratory Birds Convention Act. This means that it is illegal to provide care or keep in captivity wild birds without a permit, and fines can be given to individuals not respecting these laws.
More importantly, you are not a trained expert in caring for a wild bird. This means that your well-meaning actions can actually harm birds. Human and pet foods and medications can hurt, and cause pain to wild patients.
Why should I take a bird to Le Nichoir ?
It is in the best interest of wild birds to bring them to Le Nichoir or other licensed rehabilitation centres that specialize in their care. Bringing wildlife into rehabilitation centres is comparable to bringing your dog that was hit by a car to the veterinarian. Le Nichoir’s biologists are trained and certified, attend conferences and network internationally to ensure that our practices are science-based and current. Our goal is to provide compassionate and professional care to wild birds to ensure their survival once released.
I brought a wild bird to a shelter and they said they would bring it to you. How can I get an update on the bird?
If you have brought a wild bird to a local shelter, ask the shelter for the number that designates the bird patient (admission number). This number can sometimes be used to follow-up on a bird at Le Nichoir. This is not always possible though, especially when birds do not end up arriving at the Centre. Please call Le Nichoir 450-458-2809 for more information
There is a wild baby bird in my window well. What should I do?
Sometimes as fledgling birds explore their environment they can get into trouble. If you find a fledgling bird that looks healthy but is stuck in a window well, the best thing to do is to place the bird onto the ground above the sill to try to reunite the bird with its mother.
From a distance, ideally from indoor, observe the bird for 2 hours to see if the parent returns. If the parent returns, there is no need to continue to observe the wild birds as this could cause them further stress. If a parent does not return please call Le Nichoir 450-458-2809 for more information.
Can I hold or speak to wild birds?
When you come in contact with a wild bird you need to keep it away from people, pets and loud noises. Adult wild birds see people as predators and are often petrified. Holding wild birds in your hands causes them immense stress and can even result in their death. Petting or speaking to a wild bird does not provide comfort, even if the bird does not show signs of stress.
For baby birds, handling and speaking to them can result in them becoming too habituated (friendly) to people. Le Nichoir is not able to release friendly birds back into the wild as they struggle to find food and shelter on their own and have a high mortality (death). For many species, once these birds become friendly it is very difficult to make them wild again.
There is a wild bird injured on the highway. What should I do?
It is very dangerous for you to stop on a busy road or highway to try to capture an injured wild bird, or any animal. Call Transport Quebec at 5-1-1 to notify them of the situation and they will send someone to capture the bird.