-> STOP : Please STOP and observe the bird and its behavior. Is it truly ill or injured? Does it really need rescuing?
If it is a fledgling on the ground, are its parents nearby feeding it? Is it temporarily stunned from flying into a window?
If it is in danger from predators, simply place it on a nearby bush or branch out of the reach of cats and dogs.
-> OBSERVE : Observe and assess the situation; make a Capture Plan. If possible drive the bird into a confined area and then drop a large towel or blanket over it. Use the blanket to hold the wings to the bird’s side and keep its head covered. Take care not to cause the bird further harm.
-> SAFETY : Remember your personal SAFETY comes first – wildlife can seriously harm you.
Hawks and Morepork have incredibly sharp talons. Wading and Seabirds have fast spearing bills. Tuis have sharp claws. Kakas have powerful beaks.
DO NOT endanger yourself or another when attempting to rescue ill or injured wildlife.
II – Temporary care and transport
Under the Wildlife Act 1953 it is an offense to handle or hold wildlife in captivity without a DOC permit. Please remember native birds must be passed on to a DOC authorised carer, such as Native Bird Rescue
The bird needs to be kept WARM, DARK and QUIET.
-> Find a suitable sized box and place a towel at the bottom
-> Ensure there are holes for airflow and the box can be securely closed
-> Keep the bird warm (a hot water bottle filled from the hot water tap wrapped in a towell, or car heater)
STRESS KILLS !
Do not handle it or disturb it. Keep the bird away from noise (turn the radio/tv off) and keep children and pets away. Please do not feed or give drink to the bird. Let it in a quiet place.
By not causing the bird further stress you will be giving it the best chance to recover and fly free again.
III – Getting help
If you have captured a bird then it will be seriously ill or injured and be in need of immediate specialist care.
If the bird is a native or endemic species:
Example : Kereru, Wood Pigeon, Kingfisher, Tui, Morepork, Harrier Hawk, Kaka, Fantail, Grey Warbler, Weka, Shining Cuckoo, Little Blue Penguin or other native bird … we can help.
Please call the Native Bird Rescue, on 0204 739 464
Or take any Native Bird to either Vet Clinic on Waiheke Island. There is no charge for the treatment of New Zealand Wildlife. Please give them in your name, phone number and the exact location the bird was found. They will contact us to collect the bird.
If you require help to rescue a bird and have exhausted all other avenues, please contact us and we will do our best to send a trained volunteer to carry out the rescue. Please understand that all of our volunteers have full time occupations so may not always be available immediately – but we will do our very best!
If the bird is a garden bird, non-native or game bird:
for example blackbird, sparrow, thrush, goldfinch, starling, magpie, myna, duck, pukeko, paradise duck …
Please call Inga Muller for assistance. Inga’s phone number is 09 372 6744 or 022 0456733.
