Is there a local bird watching or Audubon group near you? Milford has a raptor rescue group but I doubt a flicker fits that category.

Not sure this will be any help. There's a "contact us" link at the upper right.

https://www.eastsideaudubon.org/bird-emergencies

Thanks, Maire and Chloe. There might be an Audubon group or person in the area. I'll find out. Everything is either closed or understaffed these days.

You might contact your local animal shelter and ask for advice. Perhaps there is a wild bird rescue or wildlife rescue group near you. I have dropped off about a dozen birds at a local wildlife rescue group (accompanied by a donation!). One time I found a seagull with a broken wing in the surf, half-drowned. They saved it!

Good luck!!

When I had an injured quail on my deck, the local animal control officer picked him up and took him to a nearby rescue organization. She told me the bird would be placed back in my area after it was well. I don't know if that ever happened.

Thanks, everyone. The bird didn't fly when I checked on it at 8. I just spoke with an Audubon Society member who advised me to keep it warm overnight, and check it early in the morning. If it's still unable to fly, she gave me the phone number of a wildlife rehab about an hour away. I sure hope the bird is okay tomorrow.

What I'm told is put it in a dry dark box and leave it alone to rest and rally. Check only every 30 minutes or so. If after some time has passed it won't perk up and show its ready to fly, then call a rehabber.

We're lucky here, rehabber and her licensed daughter live just up the street. They'll take anything from hummingbirds to fawns. I did take her a hummingbird last year that DH found out in the middle of the yard so we have no idea how injured (too much distance from a window). It would eat, perch on my finger but not fly. She said fractured wing, took care of it and said she later released it. I had to take her word for it, she didn't invite me to help ;0)

How is the bird this a.m.? I am hoping he is fully recovered and out to find breakfast.

Hope the bird is recovering.

We have the same problem with our Robin red-breasts.

I read that it is good to put some string or netting over the offending window if possible. It's a spring thing often where they attack their own reflection.

Unfortunately it often leads to brain injury and death. I am going to put some netting across the window.

How is our bird Friend?

I just got home from bringing him to the wildlife rehab center. He couldn't fly this morning, so I called them. He was still bright-eyed when I brought him in. Such a beautiful bird. I, however, didn't get enough sleep last night and was not bright-eyed when I looked up directions this morning, and I got on the right highway but not going in the right direction. The round trip should have taken less than 3 hours, but it took 5. I'll call them tomorrow to see how he's doing. I sure hope he'll make a recovery.

Five hours, that is dedication! It's good you gave this bird its best chance to recover.

What dedication!

Aw, thanks! I just called to see how he's doing. They said he hurt his wing. It'll take some time to heal, but they think that's a good possibility. Meanwhile, he's resting comfortably and eating. Good news.

I'm sure he's a good patient. The first time I picked him up off the ground he let out some frightened noises, but he did that only once. The other times I handled him, he didn't seem afraid at all.

That is great news, big kudos to you for helping the bird!! He is very lucky he decided to attack his reflection in your yard.

I think that's very good news that its eating. Hopefully will be OK. You certainly gave that your best effort - a very long trip to make to get him some help. They are pretty birds though, we have a few around here. Last year one magnolia set and ripened seed in a way it hasn't done since we moved in. Right off my kitchen, and each morning for over a week I'd find it with 7 or 8 flickers picking and feeding on those pods.

Thank you for taking such good care of him and spending so much time getting him to the people who can help him. I once took a blue jay with a broken wing to a re-habber and they told me, that unless they are severely injured, birds usually do well with captivity and treatment. If he's bright eyed and feeling well enough to eat, those are two things that are definitely in his favor. I think he has a pretty good chance!

Oh that is good news - well except for the longer than necessary drive. I hope you had a good audio book to listen to during the drive. I hope you get an even better report tomorrow.

Thank you Alisande. Hope this little feller knows how lucky he is.

That is quite a trip you took. And very thoughtful of you to keep the noise to a minimum. Particularly since it was probably the bird'd first road trip.

That was one lucky bird!! So nice of you to go to such great lengths to help him!

I am glad you found a rehabber, even if not close. We are lucky to have a wildlife rescue clinic in town.

I had a flicker do the same a few years ago, but unfortunately was dead when I found it.

I like the suggestion of netting or something, but the bird netting that I have commonly seen will often trap birds. I wonder if I can wipe something on the window to reduce its reflectivity temporarily.

We have a house with huge glass windows in the middle of the woods in upstate PA. Sometimes we happen to be there when a bird hits the windows - usually they're just stunned for a few minutes and then take off again. But every now and then we'll discover one has died which is really so sad.

We had 2 Yale foresters walk the property to assess the health of the woods, inventory the wildlife and to offer suggestions to improve the habitat for wildlife. I asked them if there was anything I could do to prevent the birds from hitting them. I specifically asked about the decals that are sold. They both told me that the birds do not really see the decals or if they do it didn't alter their behavior. They said the only proven method was to hang streamers or reflective mylar ribbons from all the windows.

At least once a year I find a dead bird outside my sunroom. I have hung things that stick to the glass hoping this deters them but apparently it doesn't.

You're a good egg, Allie.

Thanks again, everyone. I was glad to share this experience with you.

I ended up taking a piece of wooden lattice and putting it across the side of the window that doesn't have a screen on it. Apparently they harmlessly bounce off the windowscreen as long as it is very taut. Obviously if they see their reflection they bash into the window glass and suffer. Hopefully the lattice works. Nephew says it doesn't impede his sunlight or view so we're all good!

Thank you for helping to save a life!