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It’s not unusual to find a distressed baby bird at your feet these days. From May through September, native songbirds are busy preparing nests and nurturing their young. Many first-born babies are now leaving the nest and learning to fly. These “fledglings” may appear to need our help but they are better off on their own.
Wildlife Works, Inc., a volunteer-based nonprofit with a facility in Youngwood, rehabilitates injured and orphaned wildlife and educates the public on how to live in harmony with wildlife. Beth Shoaf, a volunteer rehabilitator licensed by the PA Game Commission shares her 15-year insight, “National statistics show, and our admissions confirm, that over 75% of young animals rescued by well-intentioned people do not need help.” Shoaf goes on to explain rescuing baby birds is the most common wildlife rescue and that many of the fledglings she receives would have had a greater chance of survival if they were left alone or simply moved to a safer place.
Knowing the difference between a nestling and a fledgling is a key factor in determining whether or not to intervene. A fledgling bird is no longer a baby. It is a young bird in the process of learning to fly. These birds give it a go, but don’t quite get up into the air. Instead, they end up on the ground, hopping and fluttering about. Nestlings, on the other hand, do not yet have their flight feathers. They may be un-feathered or partially feathered with some skin visible.
If you see a baby bird on the ground that seems to have all of its feathers, but still looks a little downy, it is a fledgling. Unless you know of an immediate threat such as a dog, a cat, children, or a busy road, you should not approach the bird, but instead, watch it from a distance. Watch and wait. Make sure the parents are checking on it every few hours. If the fledgling is otherwise healthy but there is an immediate threat move the fledgling to the safety of a nearby dense shrub or tree. If the fledgling is wet or listless or if the fledgling is still where you placed him after several hours, call Wildlife Works Inc. for further advice.
If you find a nestling, examine it carefully. If the bird is not injured, is alert, dry and warm carefully pick it up and return it to the nest. Touching a baby bird will not keep the parents away, but do not handle the baby a lot. Their bones are fragile. If you cannot re-nest the bird, or if you are sure the parent is dead or if the bird is cold, wet, and/or listless, place the bird in a small container lined with tissue, keeping the legs and wings snug to its body. Cover a heating pad (set on low) with a folded towel, then place the substitute nest on the towel and pad. Do not attempt to feed or water the bird as this could be fatal. Call WWI as soon as possible.
If you find a nest on the ground, pick it up, place it in a berry basket and tie the basket to the tree limb using heavy twine, or place in a crotch of a tree.
Always remember to wear rubber or latex gloves when handling any wildling and to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterwards to minimize the possibility of contracting wildlife-transmitted diseases such as salmonellosis. Do not rub eyes, eat, drink or smoke during handling or prior to washing your hands.
For additional information contact Wildlife Works at 724-925-6862. Office hours are Mon-Fri Noon – 8PM and Saturday Noon – 4PM. The facility is closed on Sundays. Due to WWI’s dependency on volunteers, the facility may be closed during normal operating hours. WWI is always in need of caring and committed animal care volunteers. Training is provided and volunteers should be at least 18 years old.
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