My word! You found a bird!

1. Is the bird a nestling? A nestling is a baby that is either naked, or has just a few feathers and definitely appears too young to leave the nest. It fell out of the nest, blew out or was pushed out by a sibling.

The best thing to do if you find a nestling on the ground, if it is not injured, is to put it back in the nest, if possible. THE MOTHER BIRD WILL STILL CARE FOR HER BABIES EVEN IF YOU TOUCHED THEM. Birds in general have a poor sense of smell, so she will not realize they have been touched.

If you can not reach the nest, then get a margarine container or a Cool Whip bowl. Make holes in the bottom of the bowl for drainage. Line the bowl with paper towels and tack it in the tree as close to the nest as possible. Place the baby inside and wait out of sight. The parents will usually come back and feed the baby, just as if it were in the original nest.

2. Is the bird a fledgling?
A fledgling is a baby with partial feathers that is in flight training. If you see them on the ground then they either fell or jumped as a result of their training. Usually if you watch closely the mother bird is nearby watching and teaching this young pilot. She will still bring food to the baby until it can fly on its own.

If the fledgling is in danger of cats or dogs, pick it up and put it in a tree or a hanging basket. The mother will come soon.

3. Is the bird injured or orphaned? Adult birds do not normally allow you to walk over and pick them up. If you can do this the bird probably has some sort of ailment or injury. Also, a baby bird, be it nestling or fledgling, may show signs of a limp or wounds. If these birds appear injured to you, please contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or an animal clinic, immediately. They should quickly respond and assess the bird's needs.

If you feel a baby is an orphaned child (having prior placed the baby in a tree and no parent has come back) then this is sufficient reason to call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or an animal clinic. A member will be glad to make arrangements to come by and provide the baby a safe and loving home until it can provide for itself.

**A Note to our rehabbers.** Some of the birds we rehab may require a special Federal Permit. The US Fish and Wildlife Service offers a list of migratory birds which require special permits for handling and rehabilitation. Some of which may need additional permits such as the Eagle family of birds. To learn more about the Federal requirements visit The US Fish and Wildlife Service website.