You will find advice specific to certain scenarios and types of birds in the links to the left. Here we talk generally about when to help adult birds of the types you might commonly find visiting your garden or in your local park.

When should I help Garden Birds?

	If the bird has been caught by a cat.
	The bacteria on the cats teeth can cause fatal septacaemia if the bird does not get antibiotic treatment within a few hours.
	If the bird has been hit by a car or attacked by a dog.
	The bird should be treated for shock and properly assessed for injuries.
	If the bird has an obvious injury
	If you can see a wound or a leg or wing is visibly damaged the bird will need help.
	If an adult bird can be easily approached
	It should fly away from you. If it can't or doesn't attempt to then it's in trouble.
	If a bird has flown into a window.
	Make sure the bird is safe from cats and other predators and observe. If it does not fly away after a few minutes it will need picking up and keeping warm. You could keep the bird in a box overnight with food and water and release in the morning. Our general view is that it's best to be safe and get the bird checked over by a wildlife rescue wherever possible.
	A "grounded" swift
	Swifts cannot take off from the ground so it will need to be "launched". However, this should only be attempted by someone with experience and following an assessment to make sure the bird is well or a period of recovery if not. Contact a wildlife rescue for assistance.

What Should I Do Next?

Any small bird needs to be handled with care. Their bones are very delicate and it would be easy to injure them by handling them roughly. Many birds shed feathers when stressed - if they lose their tail feathers they cannot fly and these can take months to regrow. They are also very susceptible to stress and small birds can die from the stress of being handled by humans. It may help to pick the bird up in a towel - it will ease both the physical and mental stress on the bird. Although a small bird is unlikely to injure you with its beak or talons you'd be suprised quite how hard a bird such as a sparrow can bite! Quickly place the bird into a secure box and keep it somewhere warm and dark while you seek help.

If you need to pick up a large bird such as a crow or gull, it is advisable to do so using gardening gloves or a thick towel. Larger birds have powerful beaks and can peck really quite hard. Be sure to keep the beak well away from your face to avoid eye injuries. Place the bird in a secure box and contact a wildlife rescue asap.