What To Do When You Find A Baby Bird

So, you've found a baby bird, huh? Well, don't just stand there like a statue, let's figure this out together. First things first, take a deep breath and chillax. You're not about to become the bird whisperer of the century, but you can sure help this little guy out.

Is it really a baby?

Before you go all Mother Teresa on this feathered friend, let's make sure it's not just having a nap or chilling in its temporary nest. Check if it's fully feathered, has open eyes, and can stand upright. If it's all fluffy, has closed eyes, or is lying on its belly, it's probably a hatchling and needs immediate help.

Safety first, dude!

Now, let's talk safety. Baby birds, especially those that can't fly yet, can be pretty fragile. So, wash your hands before handling to avoid transmitting any nasty germs. And if you're wearing gloves, make sure they're clean. You don't want to give this little one a case of 'glovitis', now do you?

Also, be gentle! Treat this bird like you would a tiny, tiny, tiny human baby. No sudden moves, no loud noises, and definitely no bird tickles. We don't want any little birdy heart attacks on our conscience.

What's next, bird brain?

Alright, so you've got your little feathered friend in your hands. Now what? Well, the first thing you should do is not try to feed it. I know, I know, you've got a sudden urge to play bird mama, but trust me, it's best to leave the feeding to the professionals. Baby birds have very specific dietary needs, and getting it wrong could do more harm than good.

Instead, call your local wildlife rehabilitator. They're like the bird ER, and they know exactly what to do. You can find one near you by googling 'wildlife rehabilitators near me' or checking out the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association's website.

Find a Baby Bird Out of the Nest? Here’s What to Do | Audubon

But what if it's injured?

If the bird is injured, it's even more important to get it to a pro ASAP. But if you can't get to a rehabilitator right away, you can make a makeshift nest using a small box with soft, clean materials like tissues or paper towels. Keep it warm and quiet, and try not to stress it out too much. Remember, you're not trying to raise this bird, you're just giving it a safe place to hang out until you can get it the help it needs.

What if it's not injured, but it's still on the ground?

Sometimes, baby birds can leave the nest before they're ready to fly. If you find one on the ground that seems uninjured but can't fly, it might just need a little boost back up. If it's safe to do so, you can try putting it back in the tree or bush it fell from. But if it keeps falling out, it might be best to leave it alone and keep an eye on it from a distance. Its parents are probably nearby, and they might be trying to teach it to fly.

Just remember, it's not our job to interfere with nature unless we absolutely have to. So, unless the bird is clearly in danger, it's usually best to leave it be.

What to Do When You Find a Baby Bird on the Ground – Chirp Nature Center

But what if I want to help, like, really help?

Well, if you're feeling all warm and fuzzy inside and you want to do more for our feathered friends, there are plenty of ways to help. You can donate to wildlife rehabilitators, volunteer at a local wildlife center, or even set up a bird-friendly habitat in your own backyard. And hey, if you're feeling really adventurous, you could even become a wildlife rehabilitator yourself. Just remember, it's a big responsibility, and it's not for the faint of heart.

So, what have we learned today, kids?

Well, first off, don't panic if you find a baby bird. Take a deep breath, assess the situation, and then decide what to do. If it's injured or a hatchling, get it to a wildlife rehabilitator ASAP. If it's just learning to fly, leave it be. And most importantly, don't try to feed it. That's a one-way ticket to Bird Parent Jail.

And remember, every bird you help is a victory for Mother Nature. So, keep your eyes peeled, your heart open, and your hands clean. You never know when you might be the hero a little bird needs.

So, go forth, bird lovers, and make the world a safer place for our feathered friends. And if you ever find yourself in a bird-related pickle, just remember what I always say: "When in doubt, don't try to feed it. That's just common sense, people!"