A wild green parrot became trapped Sunday when its head got stuck between panes of glass on a third-floor balcony of a building under construction in San Francisco, according to the San Francisco Fire Department.
Firefighters responded to the scene and lowered a ladder from the building’s roof to reach the bird. Crews carefully freed the parrot’s body from the glass and wrapped it in a towel to keep it calm. An animal control officer then examined the bird and confirmed its wings, legs and neck were uninjured.
A parrot in a towel being rescued
Once cleared, the parrot was released back into the area. Officials believe it may belong to the wild parrots of Telegraph Hill, a well-known flock frequently seen flying throughout San Francisco.
What to do if you see a parrot in distress
Wildlife officials advise against attempting to handle a trapped or injured wild parrot on your own, as stress or improper handling can cause further harm to the bird.
Instead, keep a safe distance and contact local animal control or the fire department’s non-emergency line to report the situation. If the parrot appears stuck, injured or unable to fly, note its exact location to help responders act quickly.
For healthy parrots simply resting or feeding in trees, experts say it’s best to observe from afar and let them continue about their day undisturbed.