You are so calm at home, watching a series or preparing food, when suddenly a loud noise against your window gives you a good scare. You go to see what has happened and you find a small bird lying helpless on the floor or window sill.
Unfortunately, it is very common for birds to crash against glass and windows, especially in areas closer to nature and in the spring season. It is, in fact, the culprit of a large number of deaths of wild birds.
Therefore, it is convenient to know how we should act in this situation, in order to try to save the life of the bird. A timely intervention is of the utmost importance in these circumstances.
As a result of the strong collision, the bird will be in poor condition. You should observe it from a safe distance to check if it has any broken limbs –such as the wings or legs–, in which case you should take it to a vet as soon as possible. Or if he’s just dazed and very still, it’s a sign he might have a concussion.
Watch the bird for about five minutes to see if it will get over itself and take flight again. During this time, you have to watch that it is free of danger from other predators such as dogs, cats, other birds or reptiles. If after those minutes you remain immobile, it is time to take action.
Put on some gloves and pick up the bird carefully, keeping it upright so it can breathe better. Put it in a small cardboard box with a lid, suitable for its size, such as a shoebox. It is convenient to put a comfortable base with kitchen paper, a towel or a cloth. In addition, you will have to make several holes so that air can circulate and the bird can breathe.
Take that box to a quiet room, where there is no noise, neither is it too hot or cold. Also, the room must be dark. Isolating the bird from any sensory stimuli will facilitate its recovery from shock and disorientation. In no case should you give him water or food.
Leave it inside the box in that room for a couple of hours. You can go every half hour to check his status, but trying not to disturb him. After that time, take the box very carefully and take it outside.
In a safe place, away from dangers such as cars or other animals, open the lid of the box and wait to see if the bird takes flight on its own. Stay away so that your presence does not scare him. Most likely, it has recovered and is flying. But, if this is not the case, you should take it to the nearest vet.
