Expert: Roger Lederer - 1/27/2010

Question
Hello Roger
About a month ago,I noticed an injured female Cardinal feeding on the rail of my deck. Her leg was dragging behind her. As soon as I went to get the binoculars, she flew off. I saw her again yesterday and this morning. This time, I was able to view her through the binocculars. Her leg is dangling and looks like it needs to come off. Her eyes have crusty white stuff around them. She has a voracious appetite and is able to fly easily. I am afraid that her leg is diseased and needs attention. There is a local wild life center here where she could be cared for, if I can catch her. Do you have any suggestions about how to do so? She also seems to have a husband who either eats with her or watches over her.

Thank you for your help!

Sincerely,
D. Hill

Answer
Sounds like the Cardinal has two problems, a broken leg and conjunctivitis. The best thing to do is let the local wildlife center take care of this bird, including capturing it, if they think it is the best thing to  It is illegal for you to capture the bird. The wildlife center should have the proper permits to capture the bird if they think it's appropriate.
Besides the legal part of it, Cardinals have a rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure and are easily subjected to shock and cardiac arrest. Many years ago when I captured birds regularly for some studies I was doing, I remember at least one or two Cardinals that died in my hand and they were perfectly healthy.I could feel their hearts literally vibrating. I have never gotten over that. Sometimes it best to let nature take care of things. She's functioning ok on one leg and the conjunctivitis will clear up eventually.
But I do appreciate your concern!