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Q: I found a bird with a band on its leg. What should I do?
The place to report all birds with bands or tags is the Bird Banding Laboratory at Patuxent Wildlife Center. They gave a toll-free number to make it easier. The number is 1-800-327-BAND. They will take the report and pass it on to the bander. Eventually (it can take a while!), you will get a note telling you where and when the bird was originally banded.
Q: I found an injured bird. What should I do with it?
A person must have special permits from the federal or provincial government to handle injured or dead non-game bird species. While your first instinct may be to call your local veterinarian, many vets are unwilling to care for "wildlife cases." In many situations, the best thing to do is to let nature take its course. Birds and other creatures are part of nature's natural cycle of life and death. An injured or dead bird may be a meal for another animal.
If you feel you MUST do something to help an injured bird, call your local wildlife office, department of the environment, fish and game or extension office. Your local vet may take rehab cases, or may know of a licensed rehabilitator in your area.