Over the past few weeks birds have begun hatching, and are on their way to growing up. But many birds don't get a chance to grow after inadvertantlyfalling from the next.
One of the most asked questions the Massachusetts Audubon Society receives is "I found a baby bird--what should I do?"
The Society answered that question this week.
When you come across a helpless-looking baby bird out of its nest, it’s hard to resist the overpowering urge to come to the rescue. But if you really want to do your part, it’s usually best to leave it be. How do you know when to take action and when not to? For that, you need to know the growth stages that many baby birds pass through.
There are three categories of baby birds at this time of year, according to the Mass. Audubon Society.
- Hatchling. It hasn’t yet opened its eyes, and may have wisps of down on its body. It’s definitely not ready to leave the nest.
- Nestling. It’s older than a hatchling. Its eyes are open, and its wing feathers may look like tubes because they’ve yet to break through their protective sheaths. Nestlings are also not ready to leave the nest.
- Fledgling. Young bird that is fully feathered. Its wings and tail may be short, and it may not be a great flyer, but it can walk, hop, or flutter. It has left the nest, though its parents may be nearby.
Pets, particularly cats, tend to find fledglings in backyards. Fledgling catbirds, a common species in Plymouth, are commonly predated by cats, according toSmithsonian Science magazine.
Smithsonian scientists report fledgling catbirds in suburban habitats are at their most vulnerable stage of life, with almost 80 percent killed by predators before they reach adulthood. Almost half of the deaths were connected to domestic cats.
Helping Hatchlings and Nestlings
The Mass. Audubon Society says if you find a hatchling or nestling on the ground, it's OK to try to return it to the safety of its nest. Contrary to what your mother told you the bird's parents will not abandon a baby that smells like people. If there’s no nest, you can make one by fastening a wicker basket to a branch. Check out this article for instructions. You shouldn't bring it in the house and try to raise it though.
"It’s never a good idea to bring a baby bird home and try to raise it," the Mass. Audubon Society says. "In fact, federal law prohibits anyone from having wild birds in their possession. Law aside, a baby bird, cared for by untrained people, once released, most likely won’t survive as well in the wild. It has missed key lessons from its avian family, like how to locate food and avoid predators."
Giving Fledglings Room to Grow
For fledgling encounters, the best course of action is to leave it be. There’s only one exception: if it’s obviously injured.
As awkward as a fledgling bird may look, this is natural stage, and the parents are most likely nearby, hunting for food and keeping watch. If the bird’s in immediate danger, you can put it in a nearby bush or tree.
If your cat, or your neighbor's cat, is hunting the little guys, take the cat inside. The cat will be just as happy watching some cat TV from the window.
Finally, if you're not sure whether the bird is injured, contact a licensed wildliferehabilitator. For more information on baby birds out of their nests, check out the Mass. Audubon Society's "Living with Wildlife" article.
