What is a Holding Station?

A Holding Station is any commercial building who temperarily houses birds that have collided with their structure or neighbouring structures. Over 200 additional birds are rescued anually as a result of this initiative. Each bird is confinded to a paper bag, then placed in a warm, dark quiet location until a FLAP volunteer arrives to remove the birds from the premises. For details on this initiative please read the following instructions carefully:

• Building Managers are asked to inform their staff and tenants when migration season has begun.

• All BFB Staff and Tenants are asked to report any traumatized or deceased birds to their building security.

• All fallen birds will need to be collected and individually housed in paper bags. This will require security staff to pick-up birds if individual tenants or staff members aren't willing to do it themselves.

• Every holding station should be equipped with large, unwaxed, flat-bottomed paper bags. When a bird is found (dead or alive), gently place the bird into a bag; fold the top of the bag a few times, then paper clip the fold or scrunch the top of the bag firmly. Place no more than one bird in each bag.

• WHEN A BIRD ARRIVES AT A HOLDING STATION PLEASE PAGE FLAP AT 416 372-9892 WITH YOUR PHONE NUMBER AND LOCATION. A FLAP volunteer will arrive between the hours of 8:00am and 6:00pm to collect the bird(s).

• Each station will house the contained birds in a warm dark quiet place until a FLAP volunteer driver arrives. To prevent birds from escaping from its paper bag... we recommend placing bagged birds into a cardboard box. A volunteer will transport the birds to a wildlife rehabilitation centre or release them in a wooded area outside of the financial district.
  

• For peace of mind for those concerned about handling traumatized and deceased birds, we recommend having surgical gloves available at all security desks, and advising all staff and tenants to use these gloves when picking up birds. This is for the collector's peace of mind and safety.

• Collecting dead birds is vital! Many times a bird can appear to be dead when in fact it's still alive. Also, every bird (dead or alive) can hold valuable information for the Scientific and Ornithological community. Therefore, please inform your tenants, cleaners and security NOT to dispose of any birds found around your complex.

• Any bird retrieved after 6:00 pm must wait to be picked up by a FLAP volunteer until the following day.

• In the event that a FLAP volunteer is not available for pick up birds from your structure we ask that arrangements be made on your end to have the bird(s) be transported to one of the following locations: TheToronto Wildlife Centre at 416 631-0662 or the Ernst & Young Tower Holding Station at 416 869-1144 X 2225.

• PLEASE DO NOT RELEASE ANY LIVE BIRDS.

• Large, flat-bottomed, unwaxed pager bags
• Surgical Gloves
• Cardboard box for large birds (minimum 12"H X 12"W X 12"L)