Caring for lost baby birds

If you find a baby bird that has its feathers and is hopping around on the ground, it's a fledgling. Leave it alone.

It can't fly yet, so it's normal for it to hop as it gets used to life outside the nest. The parents are still feeding it and are probably close by. As long as it's not in danger from cats or other predators it's best for you to watch from a distance. If a parent doesn't return after an hour or so, however, the fledgling might need assistance. 

If the bird has feathers that are just starting to grow or none at all and it can't hop around then you have found a nestling. Carefully return it to it's nest. 

There is no truth to the notion that birds recognize their offspring by smell, so they will reject a chick that you have handled. If you can't reach the nest, make one. Poke drainage holes in the bottom of a butter or margarine container or use a plastic icecream one, and line the bowl with paper towels. Then tack the container as close to the original nest as possible, and place the bird into it. Then leave. The parents will usually feed the chick as if it were still in the original nest. 

If the bird is injured, or if it's truly orphaned take it to your nearest vet, animal shelter or wildlife refugee.

published 2 years ago

linda

100 points