Garden Birds

There are numerous species of garden birds in Ireland: Blackbirds, starlings, pigeons, mistle & song thrush, great/blue/coal tit, goldfinch, chaffinch, robin, crows, rooks, sparrows, swallows and house martins are just some of the regular visitors at WRC.

General Information

• Garden birds are frequently found injured or distressed due to human activity or natural predators. Common injuries include collisions, predation, and infections.
• Wild birds are highly self-sufficient and should not be approached unless clearly injured or in immediate danger.
• Many garden birds, especially fledglings, display normal behaviors that can be mistaken for distress, such as spending time on the ground while learning to fly.

Common Injuries in Garden Birds

• Road Traffic Accidents: Often found near roadsides.
• Cat Attacks: Cats carry Pasteurella multocida, a bacteria fatal to birds without urgent veterinary treatment.
• Collisions: Window impacts are a frequent cause of injury.
• Nest Falls: Birds may fall from nests during tree felling or high winds.
• Entanglement: Birds can become stuck in chimneys, attics, or houses.
• Feather Loss or Breaks: Essential for flight, missing feathers can leave birds vulnerable.
• Infections: Bacterial or fungal diseases, such as canker, can severely impact health.
• Wing or Leg Breaks: Injuries that require professional care.

How to Spot an Injured Bird

• Check for symmetry in wings—drooping wings can indicate injury.
• Assess mobility: Is the bird standing or falling over?
• Look for blood, damaged feathers, or abnormalities in the beak or eyes.
• Observe behavior: An injured bird may appear fluffed up, stunned, or unresponsive.
• Wild birds should not be approachable. If you can easily pick one up, it is likely injured.

Fledglings: Understanding and Handling

• Fledglings are young birds that leave the nest and spend time on the ground learning to fly. Parents continue to feed them during this period. This is normal and does not require intervention.
• If a cat attacks or brings in the bird, it requires immediate veterinary care.
• If a bird is on the road, move it under a hedge or to a safer spot.
• If the bird appears stunned, fluffed up, or lying on its side, consult a wildlife rehabilitator.
• Keep cats indoors temporarily to allow fledglings time to safely develop their flying skills.

How Fledglings Are Cared for at WRC

• Nestlings and fledglings in care require intensive feeding every 20–30 minutes from dawn to dusk. However, parents in the wild provide the best care.
• Once the birds are self-feeding, they are moved to outdoor aviaries to acclimatize to weather and regain strength.
• Efforts are made to prevent imprinting on humans, ensuring the birds retain their wild instincts and behavior.