Which of the following steps is part of capturing a small bird?

Grasping the bird with your palm against its wings is a widely accepted technique when capturing small birds. This method allows you to secure the bird safely while minimizing the risk of injury to both the bird and the handler. By applying gentle pressure against the wings, you prevent the bird from flapping excessively and attempting to escape, which can lead to panic or injury.

In contrast, closing the cage door quickly can create a stressful environment and may not be effective since the bird might still evade capture. Removing the bird's food and water is not a suitable practice when trying to catch a bird, as this could stress the animal further, making the capture more difficult and inhumane. Using a net, while potentially effective, can also cause stress and injury if not handled correctly and is typically considered a last resort for catching birds. Therefore, the method of safely grasping the bird in a way that secures its wings is the most appropriate choice in this scenario.