Re: Injured Bird
Ellen Paul (epaul@dclink.com)
Fri, 05 Jun 1998 09:54:04 -0700
Dear Roger,
Legally, under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, you can't euthanize that
bird, or any other bird covered under the Act. The list of species
covered by the Act is on the US Fish and Wildlife server, www.fws.gov,
under Migratory Birds. However, should you decide that the minimal risk
of prosecution is outweighed by the need to be humane, there are a
number of euthanasia methods that are considered appropriate. I don't
want to go into them publicly, as I don't want to encourage people to do
this. Suffice to say that putting the bird in a bag isn't one of them.
Not necessarily because it isn't humane, but because unless that bag is
then held up to the tailpipe of a running vehicle, it isn't likely to be
fast or effective.
Under that same law, it is also illegal to do what many do with baby
birds they find - take it inside, feed it (usually inappropriate food)
and try to keep it alive. And probably unnecessary. Most of those baby
birds you find are fledglings. They don't fly well, but they sure can
move quickly! Ask anyone who's tried to catch one to band it (WITH A
PERMIT, OF COURSE!)
Taking the bird to a licensed rehabber is certainly an option. If you
do so, however, please consider making a donation to the rehabber - they
don't get paid for their services and it does cost money to treat,
house, and feed the animals. At this time of year, they are flooded
with baby birds, baby squirrels, baby rabbits, and so on.
I would be inclined to let nature take its course. These birds are
rarely saved, it is costly, and if they are saved but unreleasable,
rehabbers are required to euthanize them anyway (with some exceptions,
e.g., birds that can be placed on exhibit, such as the owl in the nature
center in Rock Creek Park). MAJOR EXCEPTION: If I found something that
was rare or endangered, I'd call a rehabber immediately and ask the
rehabber to come collect the bird, rather than transporting it myself.
Or, I'd call a veterinarian who has a great deal of experience with
birds, again, asking them to come to the scene rather than transporting
the bird. There is a certification program for avian veterinarians; it
is an extremely rigorous set of requirements, including a certain number
of years in practice, specializing in birds, and a very tough exam.
There are only a few certified avian vets in this area - they include
Scott Stahl in Fairfax and Rose Fiskett on Braddock Road. However,
there are quite a few others who, while not certified, are very
experienced with birds.
I hope this information has been helpful.
Ellen Paul
chevy chase, md
epaul@dclink.com
mdosprey@ARI.Net wrote:
>
> Hi again,
>
> My neighbor took the young Robin to a place in Gaithersburg that I believe
> is called Second Chance for Wildlife. Sadly, the bird didn't look like it
> was going to make it.
>
> For future reference though, I'd still appreciate any advice on how to
> handle these situations.
>
> Thanks again!
>
> Roger Stone
> Germantown
> rogs@erols.com
--
Ellen Paul Chevy Chase, Maryland Mailto:epaul@dclink.com