Take Care of Baby Birds Fallen From a Nest
If you've discovered a baby bird on the ground, don't automatically rush to help it. The first step is to determine if the baby bird is a nestling or a fledgling. A nestling will be nearly naked, and will usually be found directly below the nest. This occurs when the nestling falls out of the nest, or is blown out during a windstorm. A fledgling is an older baby bird, and will have the beginnings of some feathers. For fledglings, jumping or falling out of the nest is often just a normal part of learning to fly.
Instructions
Nestlings
1. Put the nestling back in the nest, if possible. If you can't reach the nest, make a temporary nest with a cottage cheese or margarine container. Poke a few drainage holes in the bottom, then line it with straw or grass.
2. Tie the makeshift nest into the tree with string or twist ties and keep an eye on the nest from a distance. Birds have a very poor sense of smell, and the parents won't mind if the baby has been touched by a human. Usually, the parents will return to feed the baby in its new nest within a short time.
3. Call a wildlife professional in your area if the parents don't come back after two hours. If the nestling is injured, or if you know that the mother bird is dead, keep the nestling warm and quiet, and call a professional wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Check the Wildlife Rehabilitation Information Directory listed in the Resources section, or call your local Cooperative Extension Agent or Humane Society.
Fledgling
4. Leave the fledgling alone. Usually, the mother will return, and she will feed the fledgling on the ground until it's able to fly. If the fledgling is in danger of being stepped on or run over, or if it's threatened by dogs, cats or children, make a makeshift nest and put it in the tree near the spot where you found the fledgling.
5. Stand back quietly and watch for the mother bird to return. Be patient, because this can take up to two hours. If the fledgling attempts to fly, don't try to catch it, no matter how awkward and uncoordinated it appears. Attempting to catch the fledgling can injure it, and can cause stress that can be fatal.
6. Call a professional wildlife rehabilitator if the parents haven't returned within two hours. Check the Wildlife Rehabilitation Information Directory, or call your local Cooperative Extension Agent or Humane Society.
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