Tufted titmouse is just sitting at the feeder, or on the platter of seeds ... s/he seems

[Flaxbee]

a bit under the weather. Lets me get quite close, then startles and flies off, but not far. Not sure if her wing is damaged or what might be wrong - she can fly, but seems to prefer not to.

I'm worried about her. I don't know if there is anything I can do - I have 5 cats so catching her (to do what, I don't know) isn't an option - but she's been hanging around all day today (I'm home today; she might have been here yesterday or the day before).

S/he looks quite well-fed; I put out a lot of seed. Do birds sometimes overeat?

Anyway - I am just learning about birds and don't know much at all -- and I'm concerned about this little creature.

Any thoughts or suggestions or information appreciated.

[Curmudgeoness]

1. I used to be a wildlife rehabber

and even with that experience, it is hard to give you suggestions. If the bird cannot be caught, there is not much you can do to help it. But it is not normal behavior for a titmouse, and there is definitely something wrong. I rehabbed even while I had cats in the house, so it was just a matter of closing doors to keep cats and wildlife away from each other. This bird may get weaker, at which time you might be able to get it. If you do catch it, put it in a shoebox or something similar sized padded with paper towels or something. Then call the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center for help (that looks like the closest rehabber in your area).

http://local.times-news.com/profile_map.aspx?listingid=10387207p

Don't give it food or water. Just give it a warm and quiet place in a box that it cannot get out of until you get more information.

[Flaxbee]

2. Damn you're good -- thank you so much.

You are just amazing, Curmudgeoness.

Ms. Titmouse did eventually leave of her own accord around dusk; we'll see what tomorrow brings. One minute she was there; when I got back from the kitchen she'd gone.

She'd kind of hang out, doze, eat, doze ... this morning she was perched on the feeder, but at other times during the day she was under the little shelf where I have a platter of seeds. Definitely not 'normal' behavior, from what I've observed, but then again, I'm not usually here during the day.

That Boyce rehabber is only about 15 minutes away -- easy -- so if I see her in the morning and she's woozy, I'll try to get her if I can do so without alarming her or otherwise freaking her out.

[Curmudgeoness]

3. Or you could call the center and see if they have suggestions

if the titmouse is still there tomorrow. I don't really know what this center does, but they should have information for you. Call and find out what they do before you try to get the bird, since there is no way to know what is wrong over the internet and helping you help the bird would be hard.

The only other suggestion I could give is a very long shot....put something like a box with towels or something that the bird can hide in, since a sick bird will often try to hide, and if it does go in, you might be able to catch it without it being able to fly away before you get there. I would have one towel ready to put down over it to trap the bird in there without injury. Once it is dark and quiet, the bird will be settled down. I don't hold out hope for this, but catching a bird that can fly will not happen.

I found a better site for Blue Ridge Wildlife Center and it is just what I thought. Has good advice too.


http://www.blueridgewildlife.org/Wildlife%20Emergencies.html

[Flaxbee]

4. Thanks, this is great information. I have a small shoebox on its side out under the ledge

where she was sitting with an old soft dishtowel in it... we'll see what's what in the morning.

Also, am putting the BRWC in my phone contacts -- for any eventuality.

Thanks again, Curmudgeoness!

[Flaxbee]

5. S/he's not back today ...

so either she recovered, or didn't. Hopefully the former.

[Curmudgeoness]

6. Well, we can only hope.

So many wild animals die every day without us even knowing, and many will find a safe place to hide until they recover. One thing that I have learned is, we can only do so much to help. Let's just say that this titmouse is feeling better today!

At least now you know where there is a place for help in the future. Everyone in my neighborhood know that I know where to get any animals they find. We have a rehabber about an hour away, and I have been there more than once with animals in trouble. These people who do rehabbing are awesome and it is an expensive and thankless job.

[Flaxbee]

7. Yes, absolutely. I now have the center's number in my phone in case

I come across any wild creature that needs help. I took several birds to a rehabber when I lived in NC; I just haven't had occasion here to find one and I thank you very much for locating them for me!

Now, (sigh), I need to figure out what to do with the beautiful, young-ish (full grown, though) male orange tabby who showed up tonight and is sleeping on our porch.

[Curmudgeoness]

8. Make a comfy warm bed for this kitty

if it stays, and I suppose you will have to feed it, if it stays. But....it may have a home. Again, let's hope. Why do they always find the softy's houses????