FAQs Archive - Page 3 of 3 - Rochester Birding Association

Q: How can I find a wildlife rehabilitator?

If you find an injured bird (caught in fishing line, hook stuck in its mouth, etc.), contact one of the wildlife rehabilitates in the greater Rochester area. From the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC): List of Wildlife Rehabilitators in Western NY. Alternately, you can contact the NYSDEC Hotline at 1-877-457-5680.

Q: What can I do to prevent bird collisions at my windows?

Nearly half of all window strikes happen at houses. That's why it's so important that you do what you can to make your viewing area safe for birds. Your strike-proofing project need not break the bank—plenty of DIY solutions will make your windows safe. Move bird feeders and birdbaths at least 30 feet away from windows, or up close to windows (less than 3 feet away). Relocate large houseplants away from windows where birds often collide with the glass. Apply decals to the outside of windows—but lots of them, no more than 4 inches apart. Apply a window film with a pattern to the outside of the window. CollidEscape or Solyx offer some good solutions. Apply netting, bird screens, hanging strips, or other products over the outside of the window. Options include Acopian BirdSavers , Polly™Net bird netting, and others Shades that roll down over the window also help reduce collisions, by making the window look solid to birds.

Q: I need help with bird identification

Make careful notes about the bird. how big is it, what shape is it (robin, corvid, sparrow, finch, hawk, etc.), voice, behavior, habitat, and location. Try using a field guide (book or app) to ID the bird. If you’re still unsure, try to obtain a photograph of the bird (it doesn’t have to be a perfect photo) and post it on our Facebook page, RBABIRDS . Many members of RBA are willing to help newbies. Or existing subscribers to our local birding listserve may wish to post a link to the image there and ask for feedback. Keep in mind that there is some etiquette in asking for help with a bird ID. Since some birders, Facebook pages, and listserves get inundated with ID requests, birders are more willing to help when it’s clear you’ve done some homework on your own. As a volunteer organization, RBA does not have the resources to accept images for bird identification at this time.

Q: I found a baby bird, what do I do?

It’s best to leave the baby bird alone and try to ensure its safety. The parents are most likely caring for it, whether it is immediately evident or not. If you can gently and easily place the baby in a more hidden location (e.g. under a bush, in thick ground cover), do so. Do not try to put it back in the nest; it possibly fell out once already (or it fledged and was on its first flight). Most of all, keep your eyes out for wandering cats/other predators, including dogs and children that might accidentally harm the baby bird. Do not try to feed the bird or give it water. This can cause more harm to the bird. There's more information in our blog on this subject .

Q: How can I find a wildlife rehabilitator?

If you find an injured bird (caught in fishing line, hook stuck in its mouth, etc.), contact one of the wildlife rehabilitates in the greater Rochester area. From the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC): List of Wildlife Rehabilitators in Western NY. Alternately, you can contact the NYSDEC Hotline at 1-877-457-5680.