A wild bird is trapped in my house, garage, attic or a building. What should I do?
Wild birds can accidentally fly into a house or a building and become trapped inside. Because they can’t see glass and are attracted to light, they may fly around in a panic hitting windows or light fixtures. Since wild birds are naturally drawn to light, you can cover all but one window and open it. It can help to cut down the wild bird’s confusion and guide it out of the building.
A bird flew into my house. Will it fly out if I open a window?
The first step is to cover all the windows and close all the doors. This will block out the light and keep the wild bird from flying into the windows in its panic. If the windows don’t have blinds or curtains, you can used bed sheets, towels, garbage bags, or newspaper. Remember it’s only temporary. Then choose one window or door, uncover it and leave it as wide open as possible. Leave the room for one hour. This will give the wild bird a chance to catch its breath and find its way out on its own. If after a few hours the wild bird still hasn’t left, you can try gently herding the wild bird towards the open window.
I left a window open but the bird trapped in my house won’t get out. What should I do?
If the open window method is not successful you can try with a flashlight. Wild birds have trouble adjusting their vision to sudden changes in lighting. Cover all the windows so that the room is as dark as possible. With the lights still on, find the wild bird. Get as close as you can without spooking it. Shine a flashlight on the bird. Turn off the lights in the room, still shining the flashlight on the bird. It will take a moment for the wild bird’s eyes to adjust, and this can be enough time for you , or a friend, to catch it with a butterfly net (available at most dollar stores) or by covering it with a towel.
Is there a wild bird stuck in my chimney?
A trapped wild bird will almost never vocalize, because that would only attract predators to its situation. You may hear scratching noises as the wild bird scratches the damper to escape. This often happens with European starlings. The best solution is to open the damper and allow the bird to fall into the fireplace. The bird can then be caught with a towel and released outside, unless it is covered in soot. If so, it must be brought to Le Nichoir to be properly cleaned. Please do not try to clean it yourself.
Did a bird build a nest in my chimney?
The exception for wild birds being trapped in chimneys is for Chimney swifts. Chimney swifts build their tiny wood stick nests in old brick and stone chimneys. If you are hearing intermittent chatter further up the chimney, you likely have a nest! Chimney swifts are considered a threatened species.These birds should not be removed from the chimney, and young can be reunited with their parents if their nest falls. Do not open the damper. If you think you have Chimney swifts or any other wild bird nest in your chimney, please call Le Nichoir for more information 450-458-2809.