Showing posts with label #birds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #birds. Show all posts

Friday, June 12, 2020

When you should and should not rescue baby birds. . .


When you should and should not rescue baby birds. . . 


With everyone home these days working or distance learning, we see lots of people walking more, enjoying the warmer weather. 

 

If you see a baby bird while walking or in your yard, please remember this baby may be safe where it is and the parents are feeding it. Remember, a fledgling (baby bird, fully feathered on the ground) may not need help. Landing on the ground as they leave the nest and hanging out there for a couple of days until they really start flying is normal

 

It's a vulnerable time, but their parents feed them on the ground  so it is not good to "rescue" them in that situation. Experts call it "kidnapping"! Only rescue if clearly not well! The feathers might be wet though it’s not raining, indicating discharge or an illness that inhibits the production of preening oils. Or maybe it’s surrounded by flies, which might signal an open wound. When in doubt, call a rehabber, state wildlife agency or veterinarian. and describe the situation before doing anything.  

 

Of course, a non-feathered bird always needs help. Ideally, put it back in the nest if you can find it -- it's a myth that birds reject babies after humans touch them, they have NO sense of smell! -- otherwise get help.