Rescuing and Rehabilitating NYC's Wild Birds

Wild Bird Fund is New York City's only wildlife rehabilitation center, dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured and orphaned wild birds and other small wildlife.

Found a Bird? Here's What to Do

Step-by-Step Rescue Instructions

Finding an injured, sick, or orphaned bird can be distressing, but following these steps will help you provide the best possible care until professional help is available:

  • Assess the situation: Keep a safe distance and check if the bird is injured (bleeding, broken wing, unable to fly) or orphaned (without parents nearby).
  • Contain the bird: Gently place the bird in a ventilated cardboard box with a soft towel at the bottom. Keep it warm and quiet.
  • Do NOT feed or give water: Incorrect food or feeding methods can cause serious harm to wild birds.
  • Contact us immediately: Our team of wildlife rehabilitators will provide guidance on next steps.

Emergency Hotline: (646) 306-4340 (Available 24/7 for wildlife rescue inquiries)

Wild Bird Rescue Guide

Meet Our Patients

Turkey Vulture Rescue

Turkey Vulture (Sandy)

Rescued after Hurricane Sandy, this turkey vulture suffered from wing damage and dehydration. After months of rehabilitation, Sandy was successfully released back to the wild in NYC's Riverside Park.

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Eastern Screech Owl

Eastern Screech Owl (Ollie)

Ollie was found on the ground in Brooklyn after being attacked by a neighborhood cat. He had minor injuries but was suffering from shock. After a month of care, he was released to a wooded area in Prospect Park.

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Ruddy Duck

Ruddy Duck (Bella)

Bella was attacked by a dog while swimming in Central Park's lake. She had severe lacerations but survived thanks to quick intervention by park visitors and our rehabilitation team. Bella was released after 6 weeks of care.

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Red-tailed Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk (Rusty)

Rusty was found in Manhattan with a fractured talon, likely from colliding with a building. Our veterinary team repaired the injury, and after rehabilitation, Rusty was released to the rooftop of a NYC building where he continues to thrive.

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Peregrine Falcon

Peregrine Falcon (Falcon)

As the fastest bird in the world, this peregrine falcon was found exhausted after a collision with a skyscraper. Our team provided rest, nutrition, and physical therapy, and he was released back to his urban nesting site.

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American Robin

American Robin (Luna)

Luna was found by a hiker in the Upper East Side, unable to fly due to a wing sprain. After 3 weeks of rehabilitation and flight training, she was released to the wild, where she was spotted reuniting with her flock.

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About Wild Bird Fund

Wild Bird Fund Rehabilitation Center

Our Mission & History

Founded in 2005, Wild Bird Fund is New York City's only nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured, sick, and orphaned wild birds and other small wildlife.

Each year, we care for over 3,000 animals, including pigeons, hawks, owls, ducks, seagulls, and even small mammals like squirrels and opossums. Our team of trained rehabilitators, veterinarians, and volunteers work tirelessly to give these animals a second chance at life in the wild.

We also provide educational programs to teach New Yorkers about wildlife conservation and how to coexist with the wild animals that share our urban environment.

Our Values: Compassion, Education, Conservation, and Community