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Help! I found a baby bird!

So you’ve found a baby bird… now what?

Is the bird hurt? Are there any visible injuries or blood? Is it cold, weak or lethargic? Has it been attacked by a predator? If so, call our Support Centre immediately at (604) 526-7275 for directions on how to safely bring the bird in.

If it is not obviously injured, assessing the age of the bird can help determine the next steps.

Hatchling

Hatchlings are birds that have very recently hatched. Their eyes are not yet open, and they have has few or no feathers. They are completely defenceless and entirely dependant on their parents for care.

Nestling

Nestlings have their eyes open, have a few feathers growing in tubes, or downy feathers. They are not yet standing or hopping and should still be in their nest.

If you have found a hatchling or nestling… can you see a nest?

If so, carefully return the bird to its nest and watch from a distance for the parents to return. Remember to keep back so the parents don’t see you (humans are predators too!).

If you can’t find a nest, build a make-shift nest from a basket and dried grass and carefully secure it in the original tree. Again, watch for the parents to return from a distance.

If the parents don’t return within 4-hours, give our Support Centre a call for guidance.

Fledglings

Fledglings are fully feathered, but their tails are wings are short. They may still have their “lips” (gape flanges). They may be awkwardly hopping and fluttering on the ground.

If you have found a fledgling… is it in immediate danger?

If so, herd it carefully to a shrub or tree nearby. Keep any pets indoors or away from that area for a few days.

If no, do NOT intervene! Though it looks awkward, it’s a natural step in the bird’s development. The bird needs time and space to learn how to fly! The parents are still watching it from close by.

Please share with friends and family.

You can download a PDF of this info here to share.

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Posted in Resources
Tags: baby birds