What should I do when I find a hit bird?

[ra_teo]

If I find a hit bird, either by window collision or by something else, what should I do?

[rangerpuffin]

Contact wildlife rescue.

[ra_teo]

I literally have no service like that around in our county… a vet would know what to do?

[rangerpuffin]

You can take it to a vet. Before you drive to the vet, make sure it isn’t an invasive species, as they won’t take these in.

[Thunderhead]

You can put it in a safe place outside so it has time it recover. Some do and some don’t.
Most vets, in my experience, will not do much for a small wild bird. If they are willing YOU will be responsible for a large bill.
The next concern is the window. Does the window need to have something so more birds don’t crash? I’m sure there’s a thread here on that subject.

[mikeschinlaub]

Depending on the injury and available resources, sometimes the only option is to give it a quick end. By all means, rescue if you’re able and willing, but it’s not always an option.

[deboas]

If it’s still alive, put it in a cardboard box on a towel in a dark quiet place for an hour and see if it recovers. If it’s dead, remember to record it on iNat:

@deboas

There’s a project you can add these observations to: Bird-window collisions

If you observe a collision, there will likely be more at that window unless mitigation measures are installed:

@deboas

American Bird Conservancy has information on effective and simple methods to prevent collisions here. I’ve installed the white vinyl dots and have had no fatal collisions on those windows since installing them.

[bbk-htx]

@mikeschinlaub

rescue if you’re able and willing, but it’s not always an option

and not always legal.

[bbk-htx]

@Thunderhead

Does the window need to have something so more birds don’t crash?

I have a second floor window that birds would hit or attack their reflection.
I printed out a photo of an owl and taped it to the window and that seems to work well.

[ra_teo]

Is there any proof, recommendation or certificate (or something like that) that can show people I want to help? Here in Romania, people don’t believe that a guy who takes an injured bird actually wants to help…

They are like “put it down, you’re killing it!” They would just leave it there to die They don’t see that I want to help the poor unfortunate fellow.

[mikeschinlaub]

That’s something you’ll have to look into more locally. Try asking at veterinary offices, animal shelters, stuff like that.

[deboas]

There’s no substitute for patiently, calmly talking to them about what you are doing and why. People sometimes jump to conclusions but when you engage with them openly about what you’re doing it can make a big difference.