Expert: Roger Lederer - 6/10/2008

Question
This morning a young cardinal got caught in a discarded rat glue trap, upside down.  My husband finally got him loose, because of flight feather loss, he couldn't fly.  He is now residing in our bathtub.  Doesn't seem to have any injuries other than loss of feathers.  It seemed to my husband that a Blue Jay was actually standing guard over the youngster, for when he began helping the bird, the Blue Jay attacked him. What is the best way to help this bird?  We've given him birdseed, water and a half of tomato.  He doesn't seem at all distressed.  Can you please advise us on what to do, thanks so much.  We live in North Central Florida, 28 miles   east of Gainesville Florida.  We love our wildlife.

Answer
The best thing to do is contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center for advice. Or Audubon Society. You can also go to www.ornithology.com/rehab.html for information. Unless youare experienced it will be very difficult to take care of the bird. Thanks for your concern.