Baby birds need to be handled with care.
Finding a baby bird alone on the ground is not unusual in spring. While they may appear lost and helpless, most of the times the parents are nearby and still caring for them. Before attempting to rescue any baby bird, a health inspection should be done. Injured baby birds should be taken to a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian. When finding healthy baby birds, the approach to be taken is different depending on the age of the bird.
Finding Hatchlings
Hatchlings are young birds, less than five days old. They are naked or with minimal feather development. Because of their young age, they need feeding every 10 to 15 minutes and they loose body heat quickly. They need to be taken to a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible because they require specialized care.
Finding Nestlings
These are young birds that are not fully feathered -- if their tails are feathered, these are less than a half inch long -- and they need to be put back in their nest. Sometimes nestlings are found on the ground near remains of their nest so a substitute nest has to be prepared for them. An old margarine tub lined with dry grass and the remnants of their nests will do the trick. Placing the bird on this nest and then hanging the nest from its original tree or a nearby tree will keep the baby bird safe. Always observe from a distance if the parents are away from the nest. If after two hours you see no sign of the parents, call a wildlife rehabilitator.
Finding Fledglings
Fledglings are fully feathered mobile birds. Their tail feathers are 3/4 inch or longer. Normally found near or on the ground, they hop around trying to take off in short awkward flights. They are not good candidates for re-nesting because they are too old, but they still need to be reunited with their parents as they rely on them for food. When no predators such as cats or dogs are nearby, the best thing to do is leave them where they are and make sure their parents are close-by. With predators around, place the bird on bushes or on a tree limb nearby. In both cases, if you see no signs of the parents after two hours, call a wildlife rehabilitator.
Finding an Injured Baby Bird
When finding an injured baby, extreme care needs to be taken when handling it. Do not attempt to feed or give water to the bird as this may cause more harm. Only provide water if instructed to do so by a wildlife rehabilitator. Place the baby in a small shoe box with a soft towel in it. The box should be placed on a warm, dark and quiet spot away from pets and humans. A wildlife rehabilitator should be contacted. The state wildlife agency or a wildlife veterinarian should be contacted when unable to reach the wildlife rehabilitator.
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