Found a Baby Bird? How to Help Safely

What do I do?

Baby StarlingsPhoto byH. Mikel Feilen

My wife Suzette Feilen, has been a wild bird rehabilitator for more than 30 years and is the founder and primary rehabilitator at FlyAway Bird Rescue. Each spring she is inundated with calls from people who have found a baby bird on the ground and do not know what to do.

Suzi's procedure when dealing with the public is to first educate them so they can be more helpful with the rescue process. Once people realize that birds fall out of nests all the time and that this is a natural process of how some birds fledge.

These tiny birds look like baby dinosaurs when found lying on the ground helpless. They cannot fly, have no feathers to speak of, and are unable to feed themselves - "Where's my Mommy?" they chirp frantically.

The truth is the parents are watching their offspring. When no one is around they come down and feed their baby. It takes both parents to accomplish this feat of raising their young.

One parent is feeding while the other parent is finding food. This can only be done if there are no pedestrians, pets, bicycle riders, or other distractions near their grounded offspring.

After contacting different animal groups these good Samaritans' calls are always get funneled back to Suzi. Once she knows what type of emergency it is she breaks out the proper step list to solve the avian dilemma.

The over-the-phone steps Suzette takes when helping people know what to do if they find a grounded baby bird:

1. Explain the natural process of how birds fledge from the nest
2. Where is the bird located now
3. Identify the species - "Take a picture with phone and text it to me!"
4. If you are inside can you see the bird? If so, can you see its parents nearby when they cannot see you?
5. Checking to see if it is hurt and what to look for; a.) Are the eyes open and clear? b.) Is it able to stand or does it look as if it may have a broken leg? c.) Are both wings being held at the same height? d.) Does it seem like it has low to no energy? - This how to make a quick inspection to see if the bird is injured and needs help.
6. If it is in a high-traffic area but it seems healthy, can you slowly scoop up the little bird in your open hands so the parents can see what you are doing and place the nestling in more safe location? Even if the location is 20' - 30' away.
7. If it is injured or in a bad area then it needs to be transported to Suzi where she will take care of it until it is old enough to be released.

The most ideal way to handle a grounded baby bird is to allow nature take its course. Although, when the ideal is not possible it is great to have a Suzette ready to talk you through everything in a step-by-step way.

With great information Suzette helps people over the phone have the confidence to handle the situation like an old pro.

Click here to check out Northern Nevada's newest wild bird rehabilitation center, FlyAway Bird Rescue.