How to Get a Bird Out of the House
When I first saw a wild bird indoors at my grandmother’s house, I was so excited because I wanted to keep it. The adults, meanwhile, were in a slight panic. Everyone in the house was in the room with the bird, staring at it and heatedly discussing how best to evict it. And the bird flapped around, becoming more and more frightened.
I don’t remember how this bird left the house, but yesterday I had a similar experience. As nerds, I was called downstairs to identify the bird and answer our kids’ questions about it while my husband was looking for a homemade net.
I knew the answer at first glance – it was a house wren – so I looked at what wildlife rescue organizations recommend people do with a bird in their home. And it worked. Here’s your plan:
First, take it easy
The bird is already scared, and as it is surrounded, it becomes even larger. When I first saw him, our home wrens were happily jumping around the living room and pecking at the crumbs left by my children on the floor. But after a few minutes he flew restlessly between rooms.
If the bird is waving non-stop by the time you find it, you may have to wait to tire it out. But if he’s calm, try to keep him the same. Disperse any small crowd that may have gathered.
Make the territory safe
Move pets to another room. Turn off the ceiling fan and cover any hot pots on the stove.
Select exit
You will try to force the bird to fly through the open door (or, if the door is not accessible, from the window). If possible, find one that looks sunny and inviting — this is your front door, not your basement door.
Block other windows and doors
Darken the room, close all other doors, and close the curtains or blinds. There is no real door in the doorway of our kitchen, so my husband stood in the doorway holding a towel like a curtain.
I opened the door to the street and the wren was in the backyard a few seconds later.
If he doesn’t go away
A large or scary bird is best left to professionals; call your local animal control office or wildlife rescue team.
For smaller birds, this is also a good option, but if you feel like you must catch a bird, do it carefully. This works best when the bird is a little fatigued. The Columbus Audubon Society suggests putting the box next to the bird and using a towel to push the bird into the box. (The towel can be the lid for the box.)
Once you catch the bird, carefully release it outside. Or, if the bird is injured, contact your local wildlife rescue service.