Best practices from the field — for raptors, owls, and other birds of prey in California's High Desert and Inland Empire.
Your instinct is to help — that's a good thing. But the most common ways people unintentionally hurt injured wildlife are stress from handling, improper containment, and well-meaning but harmful interventions.
Follow these steps in order. If you're unsure at any point, contact us before acting.
Before approaching, watch the bird for 5–10 minutes from at least 20 feet away. Some birds — especially fledglings — are not injured. They may just be learning to fly, and their parents may be nearby.
Contact us or California Department of Fish & Wildlife before handling. We can assess the situation over the phone and advise whether the bird needs intervention.
If the bird must be contained, use a cardboard box with air holes. Line it with a towel. Do not use wire cages. Place the box in a dark, quiet area — darkness reduces stress dramatically.
Raptors have very specific dietary needs. Improper food or water can cause aspiration or nutritional imbalances that worsen the bird's condition before it can receive professional care.
The sooner an injured bird reaches licensed care, the better its chances. Contact us — we can coordinate transport to the appropriate facility.
Different raptors have different needs, behaviors, and risks. Here's what you should know about the most common species in our region.
Hawks and falcons have extremely sharp talons and will grip instinctively — even when injured. Never handle without thick leather gloves. If a hawk is "tame" or unresponsive, that's a sign of serious injury or illness, not calmness.
Common species in our area: Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon
Owls are nocturnal and highly stressed by daylight and noise. If you find an owl on the ground during the day, it almost certainly needs help — they are not normally ground-dwelling. Keep them in a very dark, very quiet environment. Their talons are equally dangerous to hawks.
Common species in our area: Barn Owl, Great Horned Owl, Western Screech-Owl, Burrowing Owl
Large raptors require experienced handlers. Do not attempt to contain an eagle or osprey without guidance — they can cause serious injury. Keep the public at a safe distance, note the exact location, and call us immediately.
Common species in our area: Golden Eagle, Bald Eagle (seasonal), Osprey
Finding a baby raptor on the ground does not always mean it needs rescue. Nestlings (no feathers or only down) that have fallen from a nest can often be returned to the nest — parents will not reject them because of human scent. Fledglings (mostly feathered, hopping) are typically learning to fly and should be left alone if safe.
Birds that hit windows are often stunned rather than fatally injured. Place them in a paper bag or loosely-closed box for 30–60 minutes in a dark, quiet location, then check on them. If alert, they may be releasable where found. If still dazed or injured, contact us for transport.
Raptors struck by vehicles often have internal injuries not visible from the outside. Even if a bird appears to only have a wing droop, internal trauma can be life-threatening without treatment. Do not assume surface injuries are the full picture — get them to a licensed rehabilitator as quickly as possible.
These aren't "frequently asked questions" — they're real questions we get from people who've found birds and are trying to do the right thing.
That's literally what we're here for. If you've found a bird and you're not sure what to do next, reach out — we'll walk you through it.
Contact Wrightwood Raptor Center