Owning a bird of prey is an incredible experience and requires dedication, love and responsibility on behalf of their owners. But no matter how much we plan for any challenges that may come with owning these exceptional creatures, sometimes the unexpected, such as losing our birds, might happen. So what should you do if you unexpectedly find yourself in this heartbreaking situation?
If your bird is lost, you should immediately check the area where the bird was last seen at. You must also contact your local animal shelter or wildlife rehabilitation centre to see if anyone has found your bird.
Do not despair – there are several steps you can take to help recover your feathered friend! Let’s look at what you can do if you find yourself in this predicament, providing practical advice for ensuring the safe return of your precious pet.
Look for the bird – it may be close by:
If you have lost your bird of prey, staying calm and looking for it is most important. Depending on the size of the bird, from a small kestrel to a large bald eagle, check anywhere nearby where it may have become trapped or where it might have flown to look for food. Look for mews, gardens, houses with pets or other open green spaces. If you are still looking for the bird immediately, talk to local people and post flyers asking them to contact you if they see or hear anything. Understanding birds of prey and their behaviours can help you know where they are likely to go; this knowledge will increase your chances of reuniting with your feathered friend!
Call a local bird of prey sanctuary or rehabilitation centre.
If your bird of prey still needs to be found, it’s important to contact professional help immediately. It’s wise to call or visit a local bird of prey sanctuary or rehabilitation centre as soon as possible to give an ideal chance for the bird’s safe return. Most sanctuaries have experienced staff with years of experience finding lost birds and reuniting them with their original owners. This knowledge and expertise can save valuable time and increase the odds of a successful recovery. To further increase your chances of success, it’s also helpful to spread flyers alerting people of its disappearance in nearby areas with pictures, if available. Finally, don’t let the loss deter you from caring for other birds that rely on you – stay hopeful that you will find your bird soon!
Place a classified ad in your local paper.
Placing a classified ad in your local paper is a great way to get the word out quickly and efficiently. In the ad, you can include key details about the bird and contact information so that anyone who finds it can alert you as soon as possible. If your bird is microchipped, mention this in your classified ad; it may encourage more people to look out for it. Including a reward is also a good incentive for potential bird catchers to make an extra effort to keep an eye out. Publicizing your search widely will increase its likelihood of being recovered soon and hopefully restore peace of mind to you, and your beloved lost avian companion.
Post flyers around your neighbourhood
Create a missing bird poster with a photo and description of your lost pet, including any distinguishing features. Make sure to include contact information so anyone who spots it can reach out to you. Once the poster is made, the next step is to post the flyer around your neighbourhood, and any other areas that you think are likely spots for spotting birds. It’s also wise to get in touch with nearby animal shelters or wildlife rehabilitation centres, as they may be able to provide help if someone finds your bird and report it. The sooner you start looking, the higher your chances are of tracking down your beloved bird of prey!
Search online for lost bird sightings in your area
The internet is a great resource for gaining visibility to find your lost bird. Start by searching online for lost bird sightings in your area. Then, reach out to neighbours and community members who frequent parks or other public spaces. If you are still looking for combined efforts, register with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Lost Pet Recovery Network, which maintains a database of missing animals that anyone can access. Stay active and proactive while searching hard and fast to increase your chances of finding your important pet.
Prevention methods to ensure your bird never gets lost:
To ensure your beloved bird of prey never gets lost, there are a few precautions you can take. I have always ensured my raptors are fitted with a GPS Tracker and their identification rings are updated, and thankfully I haven’t had an issue with my bird being lost before.
Keeping an eye on your cherished avian companion during outdoor activities is key; bringing along a tracking device like a GPS Tracker can also be helpful. Additionally, it’s essential to ensure their identification tags are up-to-date and includes contact information in case they wander off. Finally, if you’re able to, familiarizing your raptor with their surrounding area can help them acclimate and know the safest paths home; similarly, teaching them signals or games to give them peace of mind in unfamiliar areas can be immensely beneficial and reassuring. Taking these preventative steps will ensure everyone’s safety and keep your feathered friend flying free and safe!
There are a few preventative measures that you can put into place. I have covered some security measures to put into place that would assist you in keeping your bird safe.
Losing a bird of prey can be a devastating experience, but applying everything we mention above will increase your chances of finding your beloved pet. Remember to remain hopeful and keep searching. Have faith that you will be reunited soon. Good luck!