Expert: Julia Booth - 8/3/2008

Question
I came home on Friday to find my dog had caught a small Sparrow fledgling. Luckily the bird survived the ordeal though my dog's teeth managed to pierce the flesh below its chest. The puncture was not bleeding and I was able to apply antiseptic. I should have released it shortly afterwards, but I was afraid the parents would not take it back since I'd handled it. I've been successfully hand feeding it milled millet seeds and other sources of protein, but I don't know of any Wildlife Centers in my area that would take in these types of birds. Most of the ones I've seen on the net are interested in predatory or larger bird species. I would like some help finding a center nearby please! My zip code is 90650. I tried releasing the bird back into our yard today, but it hopped out onto the adjoining street (which is heavily transited by cars) so I brought it back into the house. I know the care I've been giving it is limited, so I would really like to take it somewhere to be handled by professionals. Or could I have the option of releasing it in a nearby park? The bird is old enough to hop around on its own and is beginning to peck for food, though it may still need asistance in feeding. Feathers have covered approximately 75% of its body, though it still can't fly. Thank you for your time!

Answer
This website offers a list of people who have registered to rehab wildlife. Los Angeles is a big area, so I'm not sure which one is closest to you geographically:

http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/contactA.htm#ca

Here's another directory, if that one doesn't help you:
http://www.southeasternoutdoors.com/wildlife/rehabilitators/california-rehabilit...

Good luck,

Julia