Injured, “Abandoned” or “Orphaned” Wildlife

“If you care, leave it there” is usually the best thing you can do for a bird or animal that appears distressed but shows no visible sign of physical injury, like this Purple Martin photographed by Stephanie Galea/The Connecticut Audubon Society.

Especially during the summer, parents will put a young bird or small animal out of the nest for it to learn to fend for itself, while remaining concealed.  The Connecticut DEEP advises (more info here):
“If you find a young bird on the ground that appears to not have feathers, look for a nest.  If a nest is in a nearby tree or shrub and the bird feels warm to the touch, try to place the nestling back into the nest. If the nest has fallen on the ground, make a new nest with a wicker basket and some dry grasses and hang the basket with the nestling in it in a nearby tree or shrub.  Most birds have a poorly developed sense of smell and will not be scared away if you touched the young bird.  Be sure to watch the nest carefully for at least an hour to see if the adults return to find and feed their nestling.”

An injured bird or animal, on the other hand, may need help. but ONLY from a properly licensed rehabilitator.  Click here to find one or call the DEEP at 860-424-3011 during normal business hours or 860-424-3333 for emergency after-hours assistance.  Please do NOT bring any bird or animal to The Connecticut Audubon Center at Glastonbury; we are neither licensed, trained nor equipped to care for them.  Leaving one on our doorstep when we are closed gives it a likely death sentence.

Find additional information from the Humane Society here or the extensive CT Dept of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) wildlife library here.