While it’s natural to feel concerned for these fluffy, awkward creatures, knowing what to do if you spot one is crucial for their safety and development. Here’s a simple guide to help you decide when to intervene and when to let nature take its course.
1. Observe from a Distance
The first thing to do when you see a fledgling is to observe it from a distance. Often, the young bird is not abandoned. Parent birds are usually nearby, keeping an eye on their young and feeding them periodically.
2. Assess the Situation
- Healthy and Active: If the fledgling looks healthy, is hopping around, or fluttering its wings, it’s likely fine. Leave it be and give it space to explore and learn.
- Injured or in Immediate Danger: If the bird appears injured, is being attacked by predators, or is in a dangerous location (like a busy road), it might need assistance.
3. Avoid Handling
Handling fledglings can cause them stress and may lead to unintended harm. Unless absolutely necessary, avoid picking up the bird. Your scent will not cause the parents to abandon it, but unnecessary handling is best avoided.
4. Move to Safety (If Necessary)
If the fledgling is in immediate danger (like on a busy road), gently move it to a safer location nearby, such as a bush or a tree, where the parents can still find and care for it.
5. Don’t Attempt To Raise It Yourself
Fledglings require specific care, and attempting to raise them without proper knowledge and resources can be challenging and may not be in the best interest of the bird’s well-being.
Resist the urge to feed the fledgling with human food, as it may not provide the necessary nutrition and could be harmful.
6. Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator
If the bird is injured or you’re unsure about its well-being, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator for advice. They are trained to care for wildlife and can provide the best assistance.
7. Keep Pets Indoors
If you have pets, especially cats or dogs, keep them indoors or supervise them outside to prevent them from harming the fledgling.
Seeing a fledgling can be a heartwarming yet worrying experience. By observing carefully and taking appropriate action only when necessary, you can help ensure that these young birds grow up safely. Remember, nature often knows best, and parental birds are the fledglings’ best caregivers. Enjoy the sight of these young birds as they take their first steps into the world!
