I have found an injured bird of prey – what do I do?
Finding an injured or even just a bird of prey on the ground and unable to fly is a surprisingly common occurrence. With a mortality rate of up to 75% in first-year birds and many young birds leaving nest sites before they can fly—especially in urban areas—many young birds find themselves on the floor.
The first priority upon finding any injured bird of prey is to secure it to ensure it is safe. Remember, they have powerful feet, sharp talons, and beaks, so be cautious. Use a large towel or box to cover the bird. A useful tip is to keep them somewhere dark (such as a covered cardboard box) as this will help keep them calm, quiet, and prevent them from further injuring themselves or damaging their feathers.
The second priority is to find assistance from someone experienced. Some birds can be left alone where they are found—for example, young Tawny Owls are often found on the ground but can easily climb trees to safety if left alone, and their parents will continue to feed them. Other young birds, such as urban Peregrine Falcons that leave the nest too early, may need assistance and can be placed on a higher perch so their parents can continue feeding them. However, some birds require more intensive care, especially if they are too weak to feed themselves or have injuries.
Finding a local falconer is often the best way to quickly assess the level of care needed. If you don’t know of anyone local, you can contact the British Falconers Club via their website, the Independent Bird Register (independentbirdregister.co.uk), or Raptor Rescue.
If the bird has visible injuries, contact the nearest local vet. Every veterinary surgeon has a duty of care to wildlife and should provide emergency first aid. They will likely recommend contacting an experienced falconer for ongoing care, as many vets lack the facilities to house or handle birds of prey, which have specific needs depending on species, age, and injuries.
All birds of prey are protected by law, and anyone temporarily taking one into captivity must be aware of legal requirements. These vary slightly between England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, but in general, a General License covers temporary captivity for treatment without requiring an application, provided certain conditions are met. This includes individuals with documented experience rehabilitating wild birds, RSPB officials, RSPCA inspectors, and qualified police officers, allowing 15 days for treatment and release. Veterinary surgeons can keep the bird without registration for up to six weeks. If longer care is required, the bird must be registered with the Animal Health and Plant Agency.
It is also advisable to notify your local Wildlife Police Liaison Officer when taking a bird into captivity. Keeping detailed records—such as where and when the bird was found, veterinary treatments, and any relevant documentation—is important. Ideally, obtain a letter from the vet confirming the need for extended care.
Once treated, simply releasing the bird is not always an option. It must be ensured that all feathers are in perfect condition. Any broken ones should be repaired using a falconry technique called imping, or the bird should be given time to moult and grow new feathers before release. Depending on the species, some birds may require training using falconry techniques to build strength and hunting skills before they can survive in the wild. Scavenging species adapt more easily to release, but birds like Peregrine Falcons, which rely on hunting other birds, must be fully fit and capable hunters before being released to prevent starvation and re-capture.