Found A Baby Bird? What To Do & How To Help

Finding a baby bird on the ground can be a heartbreaking experience, but it's crucial to react correctly to ensure the little one's survival. Our guide will walk you through the steps of what to do if you encounter a fledgling or nestling bird, offering practical advice and dispelling common myths. We aim to equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions, helping you understand when to intervene and when to let nature take its course. So, if you've stumbled upon a tiny feathered creature, let’s dive into the best ways to assist while keeping the bird's well-being as our top priority. From identifying the bird's age to providing temporary care, we’ve got you covered. Remember, your actions can make a significant difference in the life of a vulnerable baby bird.

Identifying a Baby Bird

Before you do anything, it's important to identify what kind of baby bird you've found. Baby birds generally fall into two categories: nestlings and fledglings. Nestlings are very young birds that haven't yet developed their feathers fully. They typically have sparse feathers or down, and they're unable to hop or walk. Their eyes may be closed, and they're entirely dependent on their parents. If you find a nestling, it's likely that it has fallen out of its nest prematurely. Fledglings, on the other hand, are older birds that have most of their feathers and are learning to fly. They can hop, walk, and may even attempt short flights. Fledglings often leave the nest before they're fully capable of flying, and this is a natural part of their development. They may spend several days on the ground while their parents continue to feed them. Distinguishing between these two types of baby birds is crucial because the appropriate course of action differs for each. Nestlings require more immediate intervention, while fledglings often just need to be left alone unless they are in immediate danger. By correctly identifying the bird, you can ensure you’re providing the right kind of help. Consider the bird’s feather development, mobility, and overall appearance to make an accurate assessment. If you’re unsure, observing the bird for a short period can provide additional clues. Remember, accurate identification is the first step in ensuring the baby bird's safety and well-being. Understanding the difference between a nestling and a fledgling is key to providing the appropriate assistance.

Is Intervention Necessary?

The next critical step after identifying the baby bird is determining whether intervention is necessary. It’s natural to want to help, but sometimes the best thing you can do is nothing at all. For fledglings, as mentioned earlier, being on the ground is often a normal part of their development. Their parents are usually nearby, continuing to feed and care for them as they learn to fly. Unless the fledgling is in immediate danger – such as from a predator, heavy traffic, or severe weather – it’s best to leave it alone. Observe from a distance to see if the parents are returning to feed the bird. If the fledgling appears healthy and is hopping around, intervention is likely unnecessary. However, nestlings require a different approach. Since they are too young to be out of the nest, finding a nestling on the ground suggests that something has gone wrong. If you can locate the nest, the best course of action is to gently place the nestling back inside. It's a common myth that birds will abandon their young if they smell human scent; this is not true. Birds have a poor sense of smell, and the parents are much more likely to return to a chick that has been safely returned to its nest. If you can’t find the nest or it’s inaccessible, you may need to consider other options, which we’ll discuss later. In summary, assessing the situation carefully and understanding the bird's developmental stage is crucial in deciding whether or not to intervene. Always prioritize the bird's well-being and consider the potential consequences of your actions. Knowing when to step in and when to step back is essential for the bird's survival.

Returning a Nestling to the Nest

If you've determined that the baby bird is a nestling and needs assistance, your first course of action should be to try and return it to its nest. This is often the best way to ensure its survival. Before you start, take a moment to locate the nest. Look for nests in trees, bushes, or even under the eaves of buildings. Once you've found the nest, gently pick up the nestling. Remember, it's a myth that the parents will reject the baby bird if it smells like humans. Birds have a very poor sense of smell, and the parents are much more likely to return to a chick that has been safely placed back in the nest. Use your hands to gently cup the nestling, and carefully place it back into the nest with its siblings. If there are other nestlings in the nest, try to make sure the returned chick is nestled among them for warmth and comfort. After returning the nestling, observe the nest from a safe distance for a few hours to see if the parents return. The parents should come back to feed the chicks, and this is a good sign that the nestling has been successfully reunited with its family. If the parents don't return within a few hours, or if you can't find the nest, you may need to consider other options. In situations where the original nest has been destroyed or is inaccessible, you can create a temporary nest. Use a small container, like a berry basket or a plastic container with holes for drainage, and line it with soft materials such as grass or paper towels. Place the temporary nest as close as possible to the original nest site, and monitor it to see if the parents find it. Returning a nestling to its nest is the most natural and effective way to ensure its survival. It allows the parents to continue providing the care and nourishment that the baby bird needs.

What to Do If You Can't Find the Nest

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, finding the nest of a baby bird can be a real challenge. If you've searched thoroughly and still can't locate the nest, don't despair; there are still ways you can help. The first step is to create a temporary nest. You can use a small container, like a berry basket, a plastic container with drainage holes, or even a wicker basket. Line the container with soft materials such as dry grass, paper towels, or unscented tissues to provide a warm and comfortable environment for the nestling. Avoid using materials like cotton or cloth that can become damp and cause the bird to get chilled. Once you've created the temporary nest, place it as close as possible to the spot where you found the baby bird. Ideally, it should be in a sheltered location, away from direct sunlight, rain, and predators. You can hang the nest in a tree or bush, or secure it to a branch. Make sure it’s stable and won’t fall. After placing the temporary nest, observe it from a distance to see if the parents come to feed the chick. It may take a few hours for the parents to find the new nest, so be patient. If the parents return, that's a great sign. They will continue to care for the chick in its temporary home. However, if the parents don't return within a few hours, or if the nestling appears to be in distress, you may need to contact a wildlife rehabilitator. It’s crucial to act quickly as baby birds require frequent feedings and care. Remember, attempting to raise a baby bird yourself without proper knowledge and resources can be detrimental to its health and survival. Wildlife rehabilitators have the expertise and facilities to provide the necessary care. So, while creating a temporary nest is a good short-term solution, seeking professional help is often the best long-term option if the parents don't return.

When to Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator

Knowing when to contact a wildlife rehabilitator is crucial for the well-being of a baby bird. While your efforts to help are commendable, there are situations where professional intervention is necessary. A wildlife rehabilitator is trained and licensed to care for injured or orphaned wild animals, and they have the expertise and resources to provide the specialized care that a baby bird may need. If you find a baby bird that is injured – for example, if it has a broken wing, a bleeding wound, or appears weak and lethargic – it needs immediate professional attention. Do not attempt to treat the injury yourself; this can often do more harm than good. Additionally, if you’ve tried to return a nestling to its nest or created a temporary nest, and the parents haven't returned within a few hours, it's time to call a rehabilitator. Baby birds need frequent feedings, and they cannot survive for long without parental care. Another situation that warrants contacting a rehabilitator is if you find a large number of baby birds or if you suspect that a nest has been abandoned. In these cases, the rehabilitator can assess the situation and provide the necessary care for multiple birds. When you contact a wildlife rehabilitator, they will provide you with instructions on how to safely transport the bird to their facility. It's important to handle the bird gently and keep it in a quiet, dark, and warm place during transport. Avoid feeding the bird unless instructed to do so by the rehabilitator. Contacting a wildlife rehabilitator is often the best course of action when you're unsure how to help a baby bird. Their expertise can make the difference between life and death for these vulnerable creatures.

Providing Temporary Care

If you need to provide temporary care for a baby bird before you can get it to a wildlife rehabilitator, there are several important steps to take to ensure its comfort and safety. First and foremost, keep the bird in a warm, dark, and quiet place. A cardboard box lined with soft material like paper towels or unscented tissues works well. Avoid using cloth or cotton, as these materials can become damp and cause the bird to become chilled. It’s crucial to maintain the bird’s body temperature, as baby birds are highly susceptible to cold. You can use a heating pad set on low under half of the box, or a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel, to provide a gentle source of heat. Make sure the bird has enough space to move away from the heat if it gets too warm. Feeding a baby bird requires careful consideration. Do not give the bird water directly, as it can easily aspirate and drown. Also, avoid feeding it bread, milk, or other human foods, as these can be harmful. The best thing to do is to contact a wildlife rehabilitator for guidance on what to feed the bird. If you can’t reach a rehabilitator immediately, you can offer a temporary solution like moistened dog or cat food (not fish-based), or mealworms if you have them. However, these are only short-term solutions, and the bird needs a proper diet as soon as possible. When feeding, use a clean syringe or a small spoon to offer tiny amounts of food at frequent intervals. Be very gentle and avoid forcing the bird to eat. Remember, providing temporary care is just that – temporary. The goal is to keep the bird stable until it can receive professional care. The best thing you can do is to get the bird to a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible. Their expertise and specialized care will give the baby bird the best chance of survival.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When trying to help a baby bird, it’s easy to make mistakes, especially if you’re acting out of good intentions but lack specific knowledge. Avoiding common pitfalls can significantly improve the bird's chances of survival. One of the most frequent mistakes is assuming that a fledgling needs help when it doesn't. As mentioned earlier, fledglings often leave the nest before they can fly perfectly, and their parents are usually nearby, continuing to care for them. Picking up a healthy fledgling can actually do more harm than good by removing it from its parents' care. Another common mistake is feeding the baby bird the wrong food. Giving it bread, milk, or other human foods can be detrimental to its health. Baby birds have specific dietary needs, and feeding them inappropriate food can lead to malnutrition or even death. Similarly, offering water directly can cause the bird to aspirate and drown. It’s crucial to consult with a wildlife rehabilitator for guidance on what and how to feed a baby bird. Trying to raise a baby bird without the proper knowledge and resources is another significant mistake. Baby birds require frequent feedings, specialized diets, and a controlled environment to thrive. Without these, their chances of survival are slim. Wildlife rehabilitators have the expertise and facilities to provide the necessary care. Furthermore, it’s a myth that birds will abandon their young if they smell human scent. Avoid using this as a reason not to return a nestling to its nest. The parents are much more likely to return to a chick that has been safely placed back in the nest. By being aware of these common mistakes, you can take informed actions and provide the best possible assistance to a baby bird in need. Remember, your actions can have a significant impact on the bird's life, so it’s crucial to act wisely and seek professional help when necessary.

Conclusion

Finding a baby bird on the ground can be an emotional experience, but by following these guidelines, you can make informed decisions that prioritize the bird's well-being. Remember, the key steps are to identify the type of bird (nestling or fledgling), determine if intervention is necessary, and take appropriate action. If it's a fledgling and not in immediate danger, observe from a distance and let the parents continue their care. If it's a nestling, try to return it to the nest if possible. If you can't find the nest or the bird is injured, contact a wildlife rehabilitator. Providing temporary care may be necessary before you can get the bird to a professional, but remember that this should only be a short-term solution. Avoid common mistakes like feeding the bird inappropriate foods or assuming a fledgling needs rescuing. Your actions can make a significant difference in the life of a baby bird, and by following these steps, you can help ensure its survival. The most important thing is to act responsibly and seek professional help when needed. Wildlife rehabilitators are the best resource for these vulnerable creatures, and their expertise can provide the best chance for the bird’s successful rehabilitation and eventual release back into the wild. By understanding the needs of baby birds and knowing how to respond appropriately, you can play a crucial role in their survival. So, the next time you encounter a baby bird on the ground, you’ll be well-equipped to help.