Raptor First Aid

You, as a member of the public are most likely to find the casualty first. If you are a legally qualified rehabilitator then you have the necessary framework of knowledge and infrastructure and can care for a distressed raptor. If not, then please resist the temptation to hold on to what might seem like a cute and cuddly orphan or a chance to play nurse. Prompt and decisive action is essential, because time is of the essence.

If a bird of prey allows you to approach it, pick it up and handle it, there is something wrong. Surmise that one of the following reasons is applicable:

• The raptor has sustained an injury and is unable to fly away.
• It is weak from disease and therefore unable to fly away.
• It is too young to fly away.

1. SICK OR INJURED RAPTORS

Injuries are not always visible and can therefore be difficult to detect. However, just because you are unable to see the injury it does not make it any less dangerous to the bird.  Broken bones need to be immobilized as soon as possible. Stress also needs to be taken into account, as this is the number one killer of any injured wild creature. There are a few basic steps which one can follow in order to minimize further damage.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU FIND A RAPTOR IN TROUBLE:

1Assess the danger, if assisting the bird will place you at risk call the Raptor Rescue Hotline for help and advice.

2Dogs are naturally inquisitive creatures and it is therefore a good idea to put your dogs away (if it is in your garden) until you are able to secure the bird.

3Get a suitably sized cardboard box or pet carrier ready. Put a towel, cloth or piece of carpet into the bottom of the box, to provide a non-slip surface.

4Birds of prey defend themselves with their feet, and can inflict as much injury with their talons as with their beaks, so be careful!

5Place a large towel or small blanket over the bird, making sure you cover its eyes. Place your hands over both wings with your thumbs in the centre of the birds back, like you would hold a rugby ball. Gently push the raptor onto the ground holding the bird’s wings against its body, then lift and place the patient into the prepared container

6Take the box and place it in a quiet, dark, warm area and contact Raptor Rescue, your nearest rehabilitation facility, or your local SPCA.

WHAT NOT TO DO:

1Do not handle the bird too much.  Immobilize the raptor and place him straight into the box.  The more you handle the bird, the more risk there is of further damage and stress.

2Do not continually open the box to check on him.  Any sick or injured creature needs to be left quietly.  An injured bird is usually suffering from severe shock and further disturbance will make the condition worse.

3Do not try to feed or water the bird.

2. ORPHANED RAPTORS

It is not uncommon for a young raptor to fall from its nest during its first attempts at flight.  This situation is not an unnatural one and the parents are often close by. In the case of owls, many species will nest on, or close to, the ground. The Spotted Eagle Owl will, for example, often nest on the bare ground. If you are ever presented with a situation where you think you may have encountered an abandoned youngster, the best course of action is to observe from a distance.  Stay hidden from view for as long as possible.  It is important to keep your distance, as your presence may stress the parents and prevent them from returning. Remember parent owls will only return to feed their chick at last light or when it is dark.  If you can see the nest and it is accessible, put the youngster back into it (watch out for irate parents), and once again, from a distance, monitor the situation.   It is a fallacy that the parents will reject their young because they smell the scent of humans on them.  Raptors' sense of smell is almost dormant; they rely mainly on sight and sound.  If it is obvious that the parents are not returning, or the bird is in immediate danger, only then remove the chick. Before you ‘rescue’ a baby owl, please contact a rehabilitation centre who will gladly assess the situation and assist you.

IT IS IMPORTANT NOT TO TRY TO RAISE IT YOURSELF! This is unfair and cruel on the bird and you are breaking the law. 

Live and learn
Knowledge of birds of prey is normally hard-earned and not easily come by - share it to make it go further.

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