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	Baby Birds Out of the Nest

What do you do if you discover a baby bird out of its nest?

You have discovered a baby bird out of its nest! If the bird looks like a bird, that is: it has feathers and hops around, it is no longer considered a baby but a fledgling. When a fledgling either jumps from the nest or is pushed out by a sibling, it will hop around trying to locate a low branch. The fledgling will be very vocal as it calls to the parent bird(s), and the parents will continue to feed it until it grows to maturity. Leave it alone if you can. Humans do not make good bird parents and the fledgling's best chance of surviving is to remain with its parent so it can learn how to find food and survive on its own. If necessary, move the fledgling off the ground so that cats or other animals don't get it. A shallow box, or a shoe box with an open side can be used to hold the bird. Hang the box in a nearby tree or a dense bush. Even a picnic table or house eve may work well as a safer location for the bird. If you must move the fledgling, try to keep it in close proximity to where it was originally discovered. Enjoy watching the parents return to the youngster with food, after you have left the area.

If, however, the baby bird has its eyes closed and very few feathers, it needs to be returned to the nest as soon as possible. Baby birds must be fed frequently and need to be returned to their parents care. Birds have a poor sense of smell, so your handling will not discourage the parents from caring for the baby bird. If the entire nest has fallen down, try to place the nest back where it came from. Attempt to ensure that the nest will stay put, then leave the area so that it is quiet for one to two hours.

If no nest can be located, you will need assistance from someone licensed to care for injured and orphaned wildlife. Under no circumstances should you attempt to feed the baby bird. Never give a baby bird water, bread or milk. You will be doing more harm than good. If you are having a problem with a baby bird, please call the Audubon Society of New Hampshire at (603) 224-9909, so that we may put you in touch with a wildlife rehabilitator near you. Outside of business hours please contact Maria Colby at Wings of Dawn Bird Sanctuary in Henniker, 603-428-3723. If you live outside of New Hampshire, please contact your local state wildlife office, or conservation organization.

Thanks for your concern!