We all know that spring brings baby birds, and they are one of the most common baby animals people find. Before you try to rescue one, you should first identify whether it is a nestling or fledgling. This difference doesn’t just concern the bird’s age and appearance, but also how you should help them. Here’s how to both identify and help our little feathered friends:
Nestlings may have few to no feathers, a pink, naked appearance, and have their eyes closed, or they have a lot of feathers and have their eyes open, but they can’t stand. If the nest is accessible, put the baby back in so the parents can find it (it is a common misconception that birds will abandon young that were touched by people). If the nest was destroyed, you can build one close to where it was, place the baby in it, and see if the parents return. If you don’t know where the nest was, or it is inaccessible, you can try to replace the nest, but only if the birds can vocalize so the parents can find them.
To repair a damaged nest, re-tie with string or wire, then replace the young. Do not leave loops, tangles, or sharp points that could injure parents or nestlings. A substitute nest must have drainage, so use a berry basket, plastic plant pot with drainage holes or a straw basket. Line it with nest debris, leaves, or clean straw. Do not use grass or paper; which will get wet and mildew. Tie the replaced or substitute nest from the bottom onto the branch, so it doesn’t swing. Be sure it has some protection from direct sun (filtered is okay), wind, rain, and is out of reach of cats and children.
If the parents aren’t back within two hours (or dark), call our Helpline at 703-440-0800 for a referral to a wildlife rehabilitator. Keep the birds warm and safe in the meantime. Do this by wrapping the bird loosely in a lightweight towel or t-shirt, putting it in a covered box with air holes, and keeping it warm with a rice sock that has been warmed in the microwave, or a heating pad on its lowest setting.
Fledglings have more developed feathers and can move, hop, flutter, and grip just fine. Most of the time, fledglings are out of the nest because they are learning how to fly. They are still under their parents’ care, so the best thing to do is just wait and see if they come to help. Don’t try putting the bird back in the nest. Instead, give it lots of space. If it is in the middle of the yard, you can move it to a low bush. However, if it is clearly injured, sick, or generally needing urgent care, you can put it in a secure container with breathing holes, keep it warm and dark, and call the Helpline to find a rehabilitator to take the bird to. If you see fledglings, please give them a chance by keeping your pets indoors.
Some birds, especially house wrens, like to nest in door wreaths. If you don’t want this to happen, now is the time to take down your wreaths!
Remember to use personal protection like gloves when handling wild animals to keep both you and them safe from germs and diseases.
