Alaska Bird ObservatoryAlaska Bird ObservatoryQ. I found an injured or orphaned bird. What should I do?
A. Except for pigeons and domestic fowl, all birds in Alaska are protected by law and only licensed rehabilitators may care for them. ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE BIRD IS INDEED INJURED OR ORPHANED. Some birds nest on the ground, and many young birds are very uncoordinated and poor flyers when they first leave the nest. Their parents will care for them for several weeks after they leave the nest. Most of the time it is best to leave the bird alone, or move it to a spot where a car, dog or cat won't get it (but be careful handling birds of prey--use a towel to cover them first!). If a bird is clearly injured or orphaned, call the US Fish & Wildlife Service (in Fairbanks 456-0341). Many veterinarians will also care for injured birds, including in Fairbanks Mt. McKinley Animal Hospital (452-6104).
Q. I found a dead bird. What should I do?
A. Try not to handle it with your bare hands. Wear rubber gloves of use tissue. First check its legs for a band. If it is banded, write down the numbers and the date and call us at 451-7159 or the US Fish and Wildlife Service (email to bandreports@patuxent.nbs.gov or 1-800-327-BAND). It is illegal to possess a raptor (hawk, eagle, falcon or owl)--dead or alive--without a permit, so you should always call Fish & Wildlife to report a dead raptor. The University of Alaska Museum gratefully accepts dead birds that are in good shape, or you can bring it to ABO. Always place the bird in a ziploc bag and include a label identifying where and when the bird was found, as well as your name and phone number. If you can't deliver the bird immediately, freeze it in a position that doesn't ruffle its feathers. Placing it head-first into a cone made from paper, and then into a ziploc bag, works best.
Q. Do you use/take volunteers?
A. Yes! Please see our volunteer page for more information.
Q. Are there hummingbirds in Fairbanks? In Alaska?
A. We really don’t see hummingbirds around Fairbanks. Once every few years or so, ABO receives a valid report of a Rufous Hummingbird around the Fairbanks area. Many people think they see "hummingbirds with antennae" in their gardens. There are sphinx moths (also called hawk moths) in Alaska that are often misidentified as hummingbirds. Rufous Hummingbirds can commonly be found in southeast and southcentral Alaska.
Q. Where do you keep the birds?
A. ABO doesn’t actually keep or possess birds. Visit our research page to learn more about how ABO studies birds in Alaska.
Q. Can we come visit the Alaska Bird Observatory?
A. Yes! Please see our Banding Demonstrations and School Field Trips pages. Our ABO Center for Education & Research features exhibits on Alaska's birds, a gift shop, and a bird feeding station with viewing from inside.
Q. I live in Alaska and saw an unfamiliar bird at my feeder. What is it?
A. Take a picture and carefully note the distinguishing characteristics of the bird (size, colors, size and shape of beak, behavior, etc.) and then give us a call at 451-7159 (or e-mail us at birds@alaskabird.org. We'll do our best to help you identify it. Sightings of rare or unusual birds should be reported to the Arctic Audubon Birding Hotline at 451-9213.
Submit a Question to FAQS Page: birds@alaskabird.org
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