Sick, Injured, Or Dead Birds
To learn more about what to do if you encounter a wild animal that appears to be orphaned or injured, and whether it's best to leave it alone or to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, please visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s webpage (WDFW) or contact the Progressive Animals Welfare Society (PAWS).
Swans
All swans that are dead, sick, or injured need to be reported to the WDFW hotline by calling (360) 466-4345, ext. 266. You can also check out this 2017 WDFW press release about reporting dead, injured or sick swans.
Swans should be taken to the Whatcom Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Their phone number is (360) 966-8845. Please let them know if you need assistance with transporting a swan.
Not sure if it’s a swan? Visit the Northwest Swan Conservation Association’s swan identification page or download their Swan ID brochure.
Have You Found an Injured or Sick Bird?
Contact one of these organizations if you are sure the bird requires rescuing:
Sarvey Wildlife Care Center in Arlington, WA
PAWS Wildlife Center in Lynnwood, WA
Have You Found a Dead Bird?
Finding a dead bird is always disheartening. But there are two things you can do to ensure that bird’s story is not forgotten:
Report the dead bird.
A nationwide partnership, including the Seattle Audubon Society, is trying to gather data on dead birds and the causes of their deaths. Report a dead bird at the dbird website.
Give the bird to an ornithology collection.
You can deliver it to either the Burke Museum on the University of Washington campus in Seattle or to the Slater Museum at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. It is illegal to keep or transport a bird for your own use.