Hampton Shore Line

Emergency Instructions:
Capturing an Injured Water Bird.

ALWAYS wear gloves or other protective clothing when attempting to handle a large water bird.
Most fish-eating birds use their long, sharp beaks as their primary defensive weapon. The beak is used with force and accuracy, and can penetrate through skin and muscle all the way to the bone. They may aim for the eyes.
It's a good idea to wear some extra padding, such as a heavy jacket, if you are going to have to pick up one of these birds. If safety goggles are available, wear them.
Covering the bird’s eyes helps to calm it, and also prevents it from seeing what you are doing. Hold a large towel or blanket in front of you like a blind, and slowly approach the bird. Drop the towel over the bird, and (wearing welding gloves) gently but firmly take control of the beak. Using your other hand, gently scoop the bird up with the wings folded against the body and support the bird’s weight by cradling the folded legs and body with your hand and arm. Do not let go of the beak, but remember that you may be covering the bird’s nostrils, and making it difficult to breathe. If possible, wedge several folds of the towel between the upper and lower beak to make it easier for the bird to breathe. Work quickly and gently.
Immediately place it in a sturdy box of an appropriate size. Cardboard boxes make the best containers because the bird has the sense of being hidden inside the box, and is not as aware of its surroundings. The darkness by itself has a soothing effect on most birds.
Be sure to use some kind of bedding to support the bird in the box. Shredded newspaper, clean pinestraw, an old t-shirt or other clothing can be used. A towel over the box will act as an additional buffer to stressful light and noise.
Box Size must be appropriate to the size of the bird, especially when transporting long distances. Use the dimensions below as a guide:

Small birds....................................................minimum size: 18" x 18" x 18"

Medium birds..............................................minimum size: 2' x 2' x 2'

Large Birds.............................minimum size: 3' x 3' x 3'
(Herons, Geese and Swans, Pelicans)

Never put a wild bird in a wire cage, because it will cause extra stress and may cause additional damage to the bird.

Hampton Shore Line

Emergency Instructions: Capturing an Injured Water Bird.

ALWAYS wear gloves or other protective clothing when attempting to handle a large water bird.

Most fish-eating birds use their long, sharp beaks as their primary defensive weapon. The beak is used with force and accuracy, and can penetrate through skin and muscle all the way to the bone. They may aim for the eyes.

It's a good idea to wear some extra padding, such as a heavy jacket, if you are going to have to pick up one of these birds. If safety goggles are available, wear them.

Immediately place it in a sturdy box of an appropriate size. Cardboard boxes make the best containers because the bird has the sense of being hidden inside the box, and is not as aware of its surroundings. The darkness by itself has a soothing effect on most birds.

Be sure to use some kind of bedding to support the bird in the box. Shredded newspaper, clean pinestraw, an old t-shirt or other clothing can be used. A towel over the box will act as an additional buffer to stressful light and noise.

Box Size must be appropriate to the size of the bird, especially when transporting long distances. Use the dimensions below as a guide:

Small birds....................................................minimum size: 18" x 18" x 18"

Medium birds..............................................minimum size: 2' x 2' x 2'

Large Birds.............................minimum size: 3' x 3' x 3' (Herons, Geese and Swans, Pelicans)

Emergency Instructions:
Capturing an Injured Water Bird.

Large Birds.............................minimum size: 3' x 3' x 3'
(Herons, Geese and Swans, Pelicans)