Owls and Birds of Prey: What to Do If You Find One
Found an owl or bird of prey that may need help?
Owls and other birds of prey are specially adapted hunters, but they can still become injured, exhausted, grounded or trapped. If you find one that appears unwell or unable to fly, it is important to act carefully to avoid causing further stress or injury.
Birds of prey include:
Barn owls and tawny owls.
Buzzards.
Kestrels.
Sparrowhawks and goshawks.
Falcons, including peregrines.
Other hawks and owls.
A grounded bird of prey should always be assessed in context. A young bird may naturally spend time on the ground while developing, but an adult bird that cannot fly, appears weak or is visibly injured may need urgent assistance.
Signs that a bird of prey may need rescuing
Contact a wildlife rescue or veterinary practice promptly if you notice any of the following:
Unable to fly: remaining grounded, repeatedly attempting to take off without success, or having an obviously drooping wing.
Visible injuries: bleeding, open wounds, damaged feathers, or suspected fractures.
Abnormal posture: sitting unusually low, leaning to one side, or being unable to stand properly.
Lethargy or weakness: appearing unusually quiet, weak or unresponsive.
Breathing difficulties: open-mouth breathing, pronounced respiratory effort or other abnormal breathing.
Collision injuries: suspected impact with a vehicle, window, building or other structure.
Electrocution or burns: suspected contact with power lines or electrical equipment.
Entanglement: caught in netting, wire, fencing or other materials.
Water exposure: soaked feathers, particularly when accompanied by weakness, cold or an inability to fly.
Cat or dog attack: even when no obvious wound is present.
Birds can hide signs of injury, so the absence of visible wounds does not necessarily mean they are uninjured.
What should I do if I find one?
1. Keep your distance
Birds of prey can be easily stressed by people, dogs and repeated attempts to approach them. Keep pets away and observe from a safe distance.
Do not chase the bird, repeatedly try to make it fly, or surround it with a crowd.
2. Contact a wildlife rescue
Describe the species if you know it, where it is located, what it is doing and whether it appears injured.
Photographs or a short video taken from a safe distance can help with identification and triage. Never put yourself at risk to obtain a photograph.
If the bird is near a road, trapped, seriously injured or in immediate danger, explain this when calling.
3. Do not attempt to feed it
Do not offer meat, raw mince, bread, milk or water directly into its beak. Incorrect feeding or forceful administration of fluids can cause serious harm.
Birds of prey require species-appropriate nutrition and may need a professional assessment before feeding is appropriate.
4. Avoid unnecessary handling
Talons and beaks can inflict serious injuries, even when a bird appears weak. Handling may also worsen injuries, particularly fractures or damage to the wings.
Do not attempt to catch a bird of prey unless there is an immediate welfare or safety reason and you have received appropriate guidance.
If it is trapped or in immediate danger, contact a wildlife rescue or veterinary professional for instructions.
What if the bird is young?
Young owls and other birds of prey may leave the nest before they can fly confidently. Depending on the species and stage of development, a young bird may spend time on the ground or on low branches while its parents continue to care for it.
A young bird on the ground is not automatically abandoned.
However, intervention may be necessary if it is:
Clearly injured or unwell.
Very weak or unable to maintain a normal posture.
In immediate danger from traffic, pets or other hazards.
Cold, soaked or unable to move normally.
Known to have fallen from a nest in circumstances where it cannot be safely returned.
Do not attempt to return a bird to a nest or relocate it without appropriate advice. Its age, species, condition and location all matter.
Special circumstances
Birds attacked by cats or dogs
Any bird of prey that has been caught or mouthed by a cat or dog needs urgent professional advice, even if its feathers look intact and it appears to recover.
Small puncture wounds can be difficult to see beneath feathers, and injuries or contamination may not be immediately obvious. Do not wait for symptoms to develop before seeking advice.
Suspected electrocution
A bird found beneath power lines or near electrical equipment may have sustained burns or other serious injuries.
Do not touch electrical equipment, wires or a bird that may still be in contact with an electrical source. Keep away from the area and contact the relevant electricity network operator or emergency services if there is an immediate hazard. Once the scene is safe, seek veterinary or wildlife rescue advice.
Wet or grounded owls
Owls and other birds of prey found soaked, especially if they are unable to fly, may be at risk of becoming cold and exhausted.
Do not attempt to dry them with a hairdryer, place them directly against a heater, or bathe them. Seek professional advice promptly, as their condition may be more serious than it first appears.
Birds trapped in netting, fencing or buildings
Do not pull a trapped bird free, cut close to its body or risk climbing to reach it. Entanglement can cause severe injuries, and distressed birds may struggle and worsen the damage.
Contact a wildlife rescue for advice. If the bird is caught in a dangerous location, such as electrical equipment or a high structure, specialist assistance may be needed.
Why specialist care matters
Birds of prey have delicate feathers, specialised diets and unique handling requirements. Wing injuries, fractures, eye injuries and damage to flight feathers can significantly affect their ability to survive in the wild.
A suitable assessment may include:
Physical examination and evaluation of flight-related injuries.
Assessment of hydration, body condition and general health.
Appropriate diagnostic imaging where indicated.
Veterinary treatment, pain relief and supportive care when required.
Rehabilitation and assessment of fitness for release.
The aim is to return the bird to the wild whenever possible and appropriate. Release decisions must be based on the bird's welfare, recovery and ability to survive independently.
Can CapesWildlifeRescue help?
CapesWildlifeRescue admits selected birds, including birds of prey, subject to our facilities, capacity and the individual animal's needs.
We cannot guarantee admission in every case. Please contact us before travelling so we can assess the situation and advise you on the next steps. Where we cannot provide the appropriate care, we may direct you to a suitable specialist rescue or veterinary service.
When contacting us, please provide:
Your location and the exact location of the bird.
The species, if known.
Whether it is an adult or a young bird, if you can tell safely.
Whether it can stand, perch or fly.
Any visible injuries or unusual behaviour.
Whether it has been attacked by a cat or dog, hit by a vehicle, or found near electrical equipment.
A photograph taken from a safe distance, if available.
Please do not bring a bird to the rescue without prior authorisation. This allows us to prepare for its arrival and make sure it can receive appropriate care.
If you find a bird of prey in distress
Keep people and pets away, avoid unnecessary handling and seek advice promptly. A bird that is grounded, injured or unusually weak may need urgent assessment.
Wildlife rehabilitation is about more than helping an animal recover from an injury. It is about giving it the best possible chance of returning to a life in the wild.
