People often want to help or assist a sick, injured or orphaned hummingbird. Often by helping, humans can accidentally hurt these tiny and fragile birds. Hummingbird nests may appear to be abandoned, so please watch the nest for 45 minutes (uninterrupted) to be certain that the mother is not returning. It will take her only a matter of seconds to feed the babies, so if you look away, you may miss it! The mother will usually not sit on the nest once the eggs have hatched and the young have some ability to control their body temperature (approximately 9-12 days of age). The mother is off getting food for the babies. She returns to feed and is off again. If the mother does not return during the uninterrupted time frame, then remove the nest by cutting the branch it is constructed on and bring it into the Wildlife Center ASAP.
If you determine that a hummingbird needs to be rescued and it is on the ground approach the bird slowly. Gently cup both your hands around it and lift the bird up and bring it into the house. Be alert to keep your hands on the bird and cupped so that in case the bird becomes agitated he/she doesn’t fall from your hand and is injured further or attempts to fly. Place the bird in a small box proportioned to its size on crumpled tissue or paper towel (do not use cloth, as its feet may become entangled).