05/23/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BFEFmW6VP/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Every year federally licensed bird rehabilitators get in thousands of "orphaned" birds that really did not need assistance because they were seen on the ground alone.
First, and very important to note, the majority of songbirds learn to fly from the ground up while the parents continue to care for & feed them. This is a natural process.
Wildlife can not afford child care & this is how their offspring learn to fly. So not every small bird on the ground needs to go into rehab.
Below are some helpful hints to determine if the bird needs assistance.
*Songbirds typically have a stages*
1. Hatchling- recently came out of the egg. Many do not have their eyes open & can not hokd up their head. They typically have no feathers or just some "fluff". They can not hop appeae wobbly. May not make any sounds.
(Would need to be placed back in nest if there are no injuries or make a new nest & place where parents are or as close to the original nest as possible)
2. Nestling- Eyes open, more vocal. Can hold their up better, a little more mobility but still may not walk or hop but may try. More feathers growth. (Can also be placed back into the nest or build a new nest for parents to continue to care for them)
Fledgling-For each species this may be a little different because some species do leave the nest as nestlings as they are going into the Fledgling stage. Many bird rehabilitators will advise that you watch from a distance & observe for about 30 to 45 minutes to ensure that the juvenile is able to move, walk or hop on its own & the parents are typically near by. (Should not be placed back in nest especially if it continues to jump out & it is very mobile)
-Do not worry about touching the bird, the parents will not abandon their offspring because you touched the babies.
-Observe from a distance to see if parents are returning. Take photos & send then to a rehabilitator if unsure.
-Please keep outdoor cats inside & walk dogs on a leash if you see fledglings in your yard. It wont be long, 3 days to a week, for them to start flying.
-If there is blood, and obvious injuries loke a broken leg, fly eggs, these are emergencies & the bird needs to be kept warm immediately & transported to a federally licensed bird rehabilitator or facility.
It can be difficult knowing when to intervene but our main goal is keep the families together & let the parents continue to raise their offspring safety, just like we would want.
Juvenile animals almost always do better with their parents when given space & time.
As licensed wildlife rehabilitators, we are here when they are injured & truly orphaned.
We can not take in every wildlife animal because it is inconvenient for humans & their pets or because we as humans can not understand the natural process of wildlife.
Licensed wildlife rehabilitators are limited by 3 main issues, funds, time, & space. So please, do not "bird nap" only because they seem alone.
