Expert: Julia Booth - 10/7/2008

Question
saved a wild finch that was trapped inside the shopping center. - after releasing outside- it did not fly away - closed its eyes and did not move- so I put her in a box and drove home. She was fine when I got home -    but I'm afraid she will not find her nest - about 1 mile away - with water in between.  Will she be ok in new surroundings.

Answer
They are often stunned for a while, after flying into a window or being confused with flashing lights. It was probably traumatized.

Finches don't have a "nest" per se, during the non-breeding season. They nest in pairs and small groups, in trees, not necessarily the same place. They can find their way back, even miles away. Although finches, for the most part, are year round residents in North America. So they don't migrate.

I wouldn't worry. You did a good deed. The rest is up to the bird.

Julia