RESOURCES

​Fledglings: Baby birds that are beginning to leave the nest are called ‘fledglings.’ Their flight feathers haven’t fully developed, but they can flutter from branch to branch. Don’t be alarmed if you see a fledgling on the ground. It could be taking a rest from its first flight, or it could be waiting for one of its parents to feed it. A chirping baby robin on the ground, for example, is most likely telling its parents that it is hungry, and it is letting them know where they can find it. Parents coach their fledglings to find suitable cover and feed them even after they can fly. Like all parents, adult birds can’t be everywhere at once, so if you watch a grounded fledgling for a half an hour, you’ll probably see one of its parents bringing it several snacks. A fledgling that is not injured should stay in the wild — even if it is on the ground and appears to be abandoned. If it is fully feathered, mobile, and alert, a fledgling that shows no bleeding, disfigured/injured body parts or weakness should be left alone. Living on the ground is a natural and dangerous stage of life for baby birds, but in most cases, they are being cared for by their family and living outdoors where they belong. ​Ground-nesting birds: Don’t forget that many species of birds, especially precocial birds, nest on the ground. Precocial birds are birds that hatch from an egg already fluffy, with their eyes open, and ready to follow their mother. Sandpipers and killdeer are examples of this type of bird, so if you see one on the ground and a parent is nearby, leave it alone. It is supposed to be on the ground and its chances of survival are low if it is taken away. If the bird appears weak and can’t stand, however, it needs attention. ​Touching baby birds: If a baby bird is vulnerable and it appears to be in danger, then return it to its nest or to some sheltered branches. Parent birds do not abandon their young if they have been touched by human hands. That is a myth. Birds have a poorly developed sense of smell, but strong protective instincts. Make sure you complete the ‘rescue’ quickly, distance yourself from the baby bird, and the parents will find it in no time. ​Fixing nests: Nests that have fallen from a tree due to wind or rain can be replaced. Put the nest in a small natural-fiber basket and secure it to the tree with wire. Make sure the ends of the wire are covered with tape to protect the babies from sharp edges. Broken limbs containing the young of cavity-nesters (like chickadees and woodpeckers) can be tied to nearby trees. If the nest is destroyed, you can make a new one. Line it with natural materials from the general surroundings such as grasses, fur, or moss. If parts of the original nest are available, you might utilize some of that. Replace the nest as quickly and quietly as possible so as not to alarm the parents. Once the nest is back in the tree, watch it to see if the parents return. If they don’t come back after two hours, bring the babies to a licensed rehabilitator. ​​Extra protection for fledglings: Since fledging is such a dangerous time for young birds, it is more important than ever to keep not only your cat indoors, but to control your dog as well. You may want take your dog out on a leash for a few days to protect the pre-flight/post-fledged youngsters.