HEALTH: IS THE BABY WELL OR INJURED?
Is the baby:
WHAT CAUSED THE BABY TO BE ON THE GROUND?
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LOCATION: WHERE WAS THE BABY FOUND?
SITUATION: WHAT HAS/IS HAPPENING? (or best guess) This nestling Scrub Jay was left out all day. The caring finder was told he was a "fledgling" and advised to leave him out because the parents were feeding him. He survived somehow, and she finally called us. Once in care it was clear this baby had a serious leg fracture. The baby sat on cement and baked all day in the hot sun. Bad advice is prevalent with baby birds. Even organizations or agencies that are "authorities" make poor and hasty decisions about baby birds. Do as this wise finder did, follow your gut. Call or Text. |
Open tree, shrub, and ground nesters can more easily be disturbed or feel the need to leave the nest. Nests are not safe havens, babies and adults are vulnerable when in them. These fledglings have some weak flight ability upon leaving the nest, and stay hidden in shrubs or trees. Goldfinch, House Finch, Sparrows, Warblers, and Hummingbirds are all open nesters. Babies can be scared out of the nest too soon. Predators can kill adults, and siblings. Tree removal and limbing in the Spring and Summer can be a death sentence for birds! Please only do this during the fall and winter. |
Fledgling birds know how to fly!
Many baby songbirds develop fully in the nest or cavity and fly out of the nest when ready, following their parents. For others, they get out of the nest but hang out in the vicinity of the nest, exercising their wings and making short flights. Ground nesting fledglings, like sparrows and juncos, stay hidden in the shrubs. Each species has it's own style of development and nest departure. Cavity nesters, like these Chickadees, can take more time in the nest because it is more protected from predators. All cavity nesting fledglings should be able to fly from the nest. |