A – There are a number of suggestions that can help prevent birds from striking your windows. First, you can close any drapes or blinds on the inside during the hours when the reflection is the worst. There are also hawk silhouettes and stickers that can be applied to windows. One member has found it effective to hang 2’ wide strips of screen from eaves about a foot away from the window with twirling flags in between. The birds fly towards the glass and bounce off the screen without hitting the window. Some glass manufacturers are starting to design etched glasses that may help prevent this as well. Some people have found taping strips of paper to the window successful.

If despite your best efforts, you still end up with a bird hitting the window, you can put the songbird in a box with air holes and paper towels in the bottom in a warm, dark, quiet location away from pets and noise and contact Sierra Wildlife Rescue. (Reminder, do not handle owls, hawks, turkeys, or other large birds that may have hit a window. Contact us.)

A – We recommend leaving hummingbird feeders up during the winter time. Anna’s hummingbirds do not migrate and will not have support if feeders are removed.

A – The first thing to determine is if you are inadvertently feeding them. Remove any pet foods, unsecured garbage that may be drawing the animals to your area. Next determine how they are entering the garage or under the house. You can set out rags soaked in ammonia (they hate the smell) near entrances. In addition, one way doors can be installed – however, if permanent enclosures are being installed, please first ensure that babies are not being trapped inside the enclosures. Contact Sierra Wildlife for suggestions or to determine timing of baby season for different species.

A – If the deer is able to move about on its own and feed itself, it has a good chance of recovering on its own. Adult deer are extremely vulnerable to the stress of capture. As a result, Sierra Wildlife Rescue is permitted to handle fawns with spots only. If you encounter a severely injured deer on the road, contact animal control (530-621-5795) or the highway patrol (530-622-1110) or sheriff’s department (530-621-6600) if the animal is a hazard to motorists. If you encounter an injured fawn with spots, contact Sierra Wildlife Rescue.

A – Do not touch the bat. Keep pets and children away from the bat. If you can safely do so, try putting a box with air holes over the bat or a laundry basket. Contact Indigo Wings, a local bat rehab organization, at 530-642-2731.