Hummingbird First-Aid: A Trapped Hummingbird
If you find a hummingbird trapped inside a house, garage, or building, the hummingbird will probably be at a window attempting to push its little body though the glass by flying on it as fast as possible.
We have tried several times to explain to them that just because they can see though glass, does not mean they can fly through it. No use, they still try. If there is no glass, they may be flying around the roof, frantically looking for an exit. They will do this until they get tired. Then they just sit on the windowpane, or the bottom of the window, or in a corner, or up on a rafter with a grumpy look on his/her face. While this is quite amusing to watch, don't laugh, it will only make the hummingbird that much more stressed.
When picking up the hummingbird in distress, remember, from their prospective you are a super huge giant. Use slow and careful movements and don't flap your arms about wildly. It will scare them and may put them into a state of shock. If possible, very carefully cup the hummingbird in your hand. Do not use a towel, pillowcase, or cloth to capture the hummingbird. The fabric my snag one of the tiny claws and cause injury. Also, the cloth will probably weigh more than the hummingbird and may hurt if it lands on top of them the wrong way.
Once the hummingbird is in your hand, they usually give up fighting, although, they will still have a grumpy look on their face. (Again, please don't laugh or giggle, it will hurt their feelings and make them more stressed.) Carefully carry the hummingbird outside near a feeder and open your hand. If the hummingbird has not been injured, they will fly off, sometimes with a chirp or two of thanks.
Always keep in mind that there are very stiff laws in the United States about holding a hummingbird in captivity.
