Summary of What should you do if you find a baby bird?:
As the breeding season of Georgia’s native birds is in full swing, it is essential to know their nesting habits and how to help if necessary. Birds will build their nests wherever they feel safest, which may not always be the best spot for their chicks. If you come across a nest built above a hard surface, you can help by providing something soft underneath for a safe landing when the chicks leave. If you find a bird on the ground, assess the situation before attempting to handle it and determine its stage of development. Place a hatchling or nestling back in its nest and monitor if the parents continue to care for it. If unable to find the nest, create a makeshift nest and secure it to the nearest tree. If necessary, contact a bird rehab for further assistance. Fledglings, who have almost fully grown and can hop around independently, should be left alone unless injured. Visit www.wildnestbirdrehab.org for more information on stranded chicks and injured birds, and consider donating or volunteering with the organization.
1. The breeding season of Georgia’s native birds is in full swing.
2. Birds may build their nests in unexpected places, leading to stranded chicks.
3. Assess the situation before handling a baby bird and determine the appropriate action.
4. return the chick to its nest or create a makeshift nest nearby.
5. Seek the help of a bird rehab if necessary and consider donating or volunteering with them.
With the arrival of summer, you may have noticed an increase in bird activity around your neighborhood. Birds are busy building nests and preparing for the arrival of their chicks. While we often imagine birds nesting in trees, they can get creative with their choice of location. From the bush in front of your window to the corner of your front porch awning, birds will choose a spot they perceive as safe, which may not always be ideal for their offspring.
It is common to discover a stranded baby bird on the ground, underneath a tree, or, unfortunately, dead chicks on the pavement. If you spot a nest built above a hard surface like your patio or driveway, you can assist by placing something soft underneath the nest. This will give the chicks a safe and cushioned landing when they leave the nest.
If you come across a bird on the ground, it is crucial to assess the situation before attempting to handle the bird. Start by determining the chick’s stage of development – is it a hatchling, nestling, fledgling, or an adult? This will help determine the appropriate course of action.
With its closed eyes and minimal feathers, a hatchling depends entirely on its parents. Contrary to popular belief, touching a hatchling will not cause the parents to abandon it. If you find a hatchling or nestling on the ground and can locate the nest, carefully return the chick to the nest and observe whether the parents continue to care for it. Remember to wash your hands before and after handling the chick to ensure safety.
If you cannot find the nest or the parents have not shown up to care for the chick, the next best option is to create a makeshift nest using household items. Secure the nest to the closest tree and place the chicks inside. It is important not to offer them food or water. Instead, take a picture of the chicks in the nest and then transfer them to a shoebox-type container with a lid. Provide warmth to the chicks through a heating pad or a microwaved sock filled with rice. At this point, contacting a nearby bird rehab facility for guidance is advisable.
For fledglings, who have most of their feathers and are nearly fully grown, hopping around is normal. They do this until they gain enough strength to fly. Unless a fledgling is visibly injured, it is best to leave it alone and ensure that animals and children stay away from the area to avoid unnecessary stress and harm.
If you find yourself in a situation where you have encountered a stranded chick or an injured bird, it is essential to seek professional help. By visiting the website of organizations like Wild Nest Bird Rehab (www.wildnestbirdrehab.org), you can find detailed information on what to do and even explore opportunities to donate or volunteer. During the peak chick season, bird rehab centers often experience overwhelming numbers and appreciate any assistance they can get. If the nearest rehab facility is not within your reach, they can guide you on how to proceed or find a closer alternative.
In conclusion, as we enter the peak breeding season for native birds in Georgia, we must be aware of the possibility of encountering stranded chicks or injured birds. By understanding their different developmental stages and taking appropriate action, we can play a role in ensuring their well-being. Remember to handle chicks carefully, return them to their nests, or create temporary solutions. Seek guidance from bird rehab centers when necessary, and consider supporting these organizations through donations or volunteering. Together, we can positively impact the lives of our feathered friends.
