A Trapped Hummingbird
If you find a hummingbird trapped inside a house, garage, or building, the hummingbird will probably be at a window attempting to push its little body though the glass by flying on it as fast as possible. As much as you may try to explain to your little friend that just because he or she can see though glass, does not mean they can fly through it. No use, they will still try. If there is no glass, they may be flying around the roof, frantically looking for an exit. Either way, they will do this until they get tired. Then they just sit on the windowpane, or the bottom of the window, or in a corner, or up on a rafter with a grumpy look on his/her face. While this is quite amusing to watch, don’t laugh, it will only make the hummingbird that much more stressed.
While your hummingbird is flying around and you are waiting for him or her to tire out so you can help, look for the cause of the situation. Was there an open door or window they flew into? Is there a red or bright plastic handle on the garage door rope that they may have thought was a flower? Is there a hole in a screen somewhere? Some fixes are quite simple to keeping the door closed or painting the red or shiny object that the hummingbird flew in for in the first place.
If at all possible, close all the windows and doors and turn off all the lights to make the room dark. Open the largest door in the room so that the light is only coming from one location. You can also put a hummingbird feeder in the doorway as an attractant to lure the hummingbird in the right direction. This is not always possible in some rooms, but if it is, it’s worth a try.
Only if you absolutely have to, once the hummingbird is tired out, try to pick him or her up to put them outside. When picking up the hummingbird in distress, remember, from their prospective you are a super huge giant. Use slow and careful movements and don’t flap your arms about wildly or you could scare them and may put them into a state of shock. Very carefully cup the hummingbird in your hand. Do not throw a towel, pillowcase, or cloth on top of the hummingbird to capture the little guy (girl). The fabric may snag one of their tiny claws and cause injury. Also, the cloth will probably weigh more than the hummingbird and may cause injury if it lands on top of them the wrong way.
Once the hummingbird is in your hand, they usually give up fighting, although, they will still have a grumpy look on their face. (Again, please don’t laugh or giggle, it will hurt their feelings and make them more stressed.) Carefully carry the hummingbird outside near a feeder and open your hand. If the hummingbird has not been injured, they will fly off, sometimes with a chirp or two of thanks.
Always keep in mind that there are very stiff laws in the United States about holding a hummingbird in captivity.
