Aiding an Ailing Bird

(This pertains mostly to feral birds, but pieces can be applied to unfamiliar birds, and companion birds as well.)

Animals respond to danger by either using the fight or flight reactions. Birds are no different and, more often than not, will choose flight. When a bird is hurt or must be caught, they will try to fly away, by following the steps outlined below, it will benefit yourself and will cause the least discomfort, distress and will, in most cases, allow an injured bird to have a better chance at survival.

Things You'll Need
• Blanket
• Bottle of water (to dampen the blanket or towel)
• Sealable, cubic box
• Gloves

Warnings
Birds in distress may not behave normally. They will try to defend themselves, and biting is the only defense they have, other than flying.

Don't place the bird near your face; it may bite you and could injure your eyes, lips, nose or other parts of your face, and you could be permanently injured.

Stress is a common killer of already injured birds. Further alarming one is a life-threatening risk for it.

Do not use a bird cage to catch a (feral) bird. They will thrash around in the cage, harming themselves and damaging their feathers on the cage bars, possibly even causing death.
Use something without bars or anything similar that it could catch its limbs on.

Don't harm or hurt birds.

Steps
1. Evaluate your surroundings. 
If you find an injured bird on the road, turn on your vehicle's warning lights to warn other drivers to slow down. Check in both directions for oncoming traffic and, when clear, cautiously move toward the bird. If you move suddenly, most birds will try to fly away, which will probably cause greater injury.

2. Decide on an approach. 
If the bird is in the middle of the road, the best thing to do in the meantime is to get it off of the road, as this will prevent it from getting hit again. If the bird is on the side of the road, evaluate the bird without causing it too much distress.

3. Get the right equipment.
- though in an emergency situation there is a less likely chance that you will have all the necessary equipment available. Prepare yourself in advance!

4. Approach the bird.

• Using a box: Open the box and get as close to the bird as you can without especially disturbing it. You want the box to lie on its side, with the opening facing the bird. Use you feet to guide the bird into the box, but make sure not to kick it! Once the bird inside, lift the box and close the lid while leaving a small gap in it for air.

• Using a blanket: Spread out the blanket and hold it up using the upper corners, lower your hands and approach slowly. When you get close to the bird, slowly open the blanket and toss it over the bird. If the bird escapes, get even closer and toss the blanket a little faster than before. If you don't have a blanket, a shirt or sweater will also work.

A safe way to hold a bird's head, so that it won't bite you.