Found a fledgling?

Spring and summer bring many opportunities to interact with nature. Sometimes, those interactions can create concern, as when we observe an animal we believe is in distress.

That is especially true when we come upon a baby bird, out of its nest, perhaps on the ground, near the road or in some bushes. In these situations, knowing what to look for and what to do next can be crucial for the bird’s survival.

Jessica Chiarello, hospital supervisor at Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center, has some suggestions to make those important decisions easier.

“During this time of year, we receive hundreds and hundreds of calls about injured birds that actually turn out to be healthy fledglings.

Fledglings are birds that have left the nest at an appropriate time and are learning how to fly and search for food. They’re vulnerable because their mature feathers are not developed. Their primary feathers are beginning to appear, but they aren’t yet able to fly. Because of this, they spend most of their time on the ground, where you may see them hopping. Parents will be nearby, continuing to feed them over the next week or two as they continue to develop and mature.

It’s important to know that most fledglings are not in need of rescue. How can you tell whether it needs help?

Healthy fledglings are bright, alert and vocal. Watch patiently and you’ll likely see parents nearby or returning to check on them.

Fledglings in need of help are lying laterally, often covered in bugs, likely with an obvious wound or blood visible and lethargic.

If it is in need of help, including after being attacked by a predator, gently contain the bird in a box or other container where it can rest in a dark but ventilated space and contact a wildlife organization. Never feed it or attempt to give it water.

If the young bird is healthy but in an unsafe location—in the road, or where a cat or other predator is nearby—gently contain the animal and move it toward a shaded bush or a low branch of a tree.

If the bird has fallen from its nest, you can determine its progress by looking at it. Very young birds have few or no feathers at all. In these situations, it is important to make every effort to locate the original nest before calling a wildlife organization. They will need to know where it is likely the bird came from in order to attempt to safely return it to the nest.

If it is healthy but they are unable to return it to the original nest, they will create a satellite nest and place it where the parents can find it.

If the entire nest has fallen from a tree, building or some other manmade structure, they will advise you how to build a satellite nest. This option will require keeping watch to make sure the parents are coming back to the babies in their new nest.”