I Found a Baby Bird – What Do I Do?

During nesting season, baby birds may be found all over the place, and they often seem to need help.  But do they? Some chicks fall out of the nest and really do need

	Northern Cardinal fledgling–he looked like he was in trouble, but Mom and Dad were nearby watching and feeding him as he learned to fly. Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel

your help. But many, once they fledge, are on the ground for several days as their parents watch them and teach them how to fly. Picking up and moving a baby bird who is being looked after by his parents can be detrimental or even fatal to the bird.

So how do you determine if the bird needs your help?
If you see a baby bird on the ground or alone, first be sure to get all pets inside and away from the bird.   

• If the bird is feathered, seems healthy and alert, hopping around and is alone on the ground, the parents are most likely hiding nearby and keeping watch over him on his maiden voyage, so your help is probably not needed.

• If the bird is out of his nest, very tiny and helpless, unfeathered or just with fuzz, this bird is going to need your help.