Malibu Towne with its veritable green cover attracts lots of birds. From tiny Prinias, Tailor birds, sunbirds to medium sized Parakeets, Barbets and Bulbuls, Mynas, Crows & even bigger ones like Lapwings, Ibises, Hornbills and Owls. While this co-existence of humans and wild is great, there are inevitable accidents that lead to injured birds in the colony.
Birds can get injured by banging against reflective glass as they fly, or by getting entangled in the manjha used for kite flying or having narrowly escaped attack by a predator like Dog or Hawk. Sometimes young birds fall from higher stories. Very often, at dawn or dusk, a flying bird collides with a fast-moving car and can have grave injury or instant death. I get bird injury related queries very often. If you see an injured bird, try not to handle it yourself and instead call Wildlife SOS. Always first determine if the bird is truly injured or if it is just resting. Look for signs of injury such as bleeding, inability to fly, or visible wounds.
Approach the bird slowly and calmly to avoid startling it. Wear gloves, if possible, to protect yourself from potential bites or scratches. If the bird is injured and needs help, gently place it in a small box or container with ventilation holes. Make sure the container is secure to prevent the bird from escaping.
Try to keep the bird calm by place a soft cloth over the container and reduce stress. Avoid handling the bird more than necessary and call any of the below numbers for help.
Wildlife SOS – 9871963535
Wildlife SOS NCR – 9560011875
Nadeem (+91 98106 39698) and Saud (+91 98101 29698) who run their Raptor rescue center out of Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk
Bird charity hospital at Jacobpura, Sector 12 – They work during the day but one needs to take the injured bird themselves. They don’t provide pickup service.
If nothing above works and you can arrange, there are 2 brothers – Nadeem and Saud – who run their Raptor rescue center out of Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk. They are epitome of commitment. I have personally taken help from them and know a lot of other rescuers who take birds finally to them. One of our Malibu Towne Barn Owls was rescued 2 years back and taken to them. They nursed it for over a week before finally it took to wings again. “All that breathes” was the Oscar nominee film based on both brothers.
Rescue is a delicate matter, just like it’s subject.
