Finding a fledgling bird can be alarming, but remember, many baby birds leave the nest before they can fly. Knowing how to help—and when to leave them alone—is crucial. This guide will walk you through the process of caring for a fledgling bird, explaining what to do and, equally important, what not to do.
Identifying a Fledgling Bird in Need
Before you intervene, it's essential to determine if the fledgling truly needs help. Many fledglings appear helpless but are actually being cared for by their parents from nearby.
Signs a fledgling needs help:
- Obvious injury: Broken wings, bleeding, or other visible injuries require immediate attention.
- Extreme weakness or lethargy: If the bird is unable to move or seems extremely weak, it likely needs help.
- Alone and unattended for an extended period: If you've observed the bird alone for several hours, with no sign of parents, it may be orphaned or abandoned.
- Presence of predators: If the fledgling is vulnerable to cats, dogs, or other predators, intervention is necessary.
Signs a fledgling doesn't need help:
- Alert and responsive: If the bird is active, chirping, and reacting to its surroundings, its parents are likely nearby.
- Parent birds in the vicinity: Seeing adult birds nearby is a strong indicator that the fledgling is being cared for.
- Fluffy down: Many fledglings still have fluffy down and are not yet fully feathered. This is normal.
What NOT To Do When Finding a Fledgling
Many well-intentioned actions can actually harm a fledgling. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Don't touch the bird unnecessarily: Your scent can deter the parent birds from returning.
- Don't feed it human food: Human food is not suitable for baby birds and can be toxic.
- Don't keep it in a cage without proper knowledge: Incorrect housing can lead to stress and death.
- Don't attempt to raise it yourself without professional advice: Raising a fledgling successfully requires specialized knowledge and care.
What TO Do When Helping a Fledgling Bird
If you've determined the fledgling truly needs help, take these steps:
- Assess the situation: Carefully observe the bird for injuries.
- Provide immediate shelter: Place the bird in a small, cardboard box lined with a soft cloth. Keep it dark, quiet, and warm.
- Contact a wildlife rehabilitator: This is the most crucial step. Wildlife rehabilitators are trained professionals equipped to provide the proper care. Search online for "wildlife rehabilitator [your location]" to find one near you.
- Avoid handling the bird excessively: Minimize handling to reduce stress.
- Keep the bird hydrated: If the bird seems dehydrated, offer a few drops of water using an eyedropper. However, do not force feed the bird.
Feeding Fledglings: A Professional's Task
It is extremely important to understand that you should never attempt to feed a fledgling without the guidance of a wildlife rehabilitator. Baby birds have very specific dietary needs, and improper feeding can lead to serious health problems or death. The rehabilitator will know the appropriate food and feeding techniques for the specific species of bird.
Protecting Fledglings in Your Yard
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are ways to help fledglings in your yard:
- Keep your pets indoors: Cats and dogs are a significant threat to fledglings.
- Provide natural habitat: Maintain a bird-friendly environment with shrubs, trees, and natural food sources.
- Avoid using pesticides: Pesticides can harm birds and their food sources.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure the survival of fledgling birds while avoiding well-meaning but potentially harmful actions. Remember, contacting a wildlife rehabilitator is always the best course of action when dealing with a fledgling in need.
