Expert: Roger Lederer - 11/13/2011

Question
Hello, I was just reading a few question and answers between you and some other "users" while searching for answers on how to care for an injured female cardinal. this morning while I was letting my little westie out to do her little business, and I saw this little female cardinal just sitting under our window flower box. We have a bird feeder that attract tens of cardinals during the winter months. Of course, I didnt think too much of it. But when walking by again getting some other things put together I noticed she was still sitting there. I went to walk towards her to see if she would fly, (maybe she hit the window) but she kind of fluttered about not taking flight. I chased her about a 100ft and finally she stopped and let me pick her up. I made a little "nest" for her out of a hold birdcage I had laying around from a bird from the past, and put a large egg carton on the bottom so she could grip onto things. I also put it in our shed and covered the window so it would be darker and quieter for her. I was wondering that if I just leave food and water in the cage for her if she would eat it if it is just her wing? She seems in okay spirits. She is very quiet until I open the shed door and at that point she does her little alarm chirp and climbs the side of the cage. If she isnt able to fly by morning, I will contact the Game and Parks to see if she may stay in my care. I just want to do everything correctly. Thank you~

Answer
So far you have done the right things, but the very best things to do are to let her go in the morning or, if she is still listless, call the local bird rehab center or Game and Parks for advice. It's almost always best to let nature take its course, even if it is sometimes cruel.