Frequently Asked Questions
Birds
Our Swaner bird list is a great resource, as is the Sibley Field Guide to Birds. Ebird is a website that birders use to keep track of what they’ve seen, it’s also useful to find out which birds are in the area in real time - http://ebird.org/ebird/subnational1/US-UT?yr=all&m=&rank=mrec
Most baby birds do not need human help, and possession of a migratory bird (even if you intend to release it) is illegal. Swaner cannot and will not receive any injured or otherwise helpless birds, we are not wildlife rehabilitators and do not have any expertise or permits to do so. Here are some helpful links:
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/injured_orphaned_wildlife.html
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/faq/master_folder/attracting/challenges/orphaned
http://www.wild-bird-watching.com/Baby_Birds.html
http://www.hawkwatch.org/learn/injured-birds
Wildlife rehabilitators:
DaLyn Erickson Wildlife Specialist 801-814-7888
Candy Carlson Salt Lake City 801-412-7470
Species accepted: Songbirds
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Northern Utah Ogden 801-814-7888
Species accepted: Migratory birds (including eagles), small mammals (no raccoons,
red foxes or striped
skunks)
ASAP Utah Lehi 801-688-6911
Other resources listed here:
http://wildlife.utah.gov/learn-more/258-wildlife-rehabilitators.html
http://www.wildlifeinternational.org/EN/public/emergency/emergencyrehab.html
Birdhouse specifications vary widely, as do the species that use them. Care must be taken to ensure that birds can use a birdhouse and stay safe from predators, as well as exit the box safely.
Helpful links to choose the right birdhouse:
https://www.nwf.org/News-and-Magazines/National-Wildlife/Birds/Archives/2010/Best-Bird-Houses.aspx
Nest box dimensions with information about building specs:
http://training.fws.gov/resources/knowledge-resources/bird-publications/house.html#3
Mountain Bluebird (native species) nest box specifications:
http://www.nabluebirdsociety.org/PDF/FAQ/NABS%20factsheet%20-%20Nestbox%20Recs%20-%2010Sep12.pdf
General nest box care (including end of season cleaning instructions):
http://www.bluebirdnews.com/nest-box-guide.html
Avoid noxious and non-native species in your bird feed mix; the leftovers from the
feathery friends will end up in your yard. Visit or call a local bird seed store to
find the right birdseed for your needs. Here are some reputable local places:
Backyard Birds 2698 S Highland Drive, SLC 801-467-7222
https://www.facebook.com/backyardbirdsslc?rf=111503272245330
Wild Birds Unlimited 1967 E Murray Holladay Rd, SLC 801-878-4449
http://saltlakecity.wbu.com/
Wild About Birds Nature Center 1986 North Hillfield Rd, Layton 801-779-2473 http://www.wildaboutbirdsnaturecenter.com/
Additional online info about finding the right birdseed:
http://birding.about.com/od/birdfeeders/a/How-To-Choose-Birdseed.htm
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/types-of-bird-seed-a-quick-guide/
http://www.wild-bird-watching.com/Bird_Seed.html