Spring hallmarks not only a change in the weather, but also the peeping of little beaks. It is not uncommon to find what seems like an orphaned bird, so it is important that you and your children know what to do when you stumble across one.
The first thing to do is determine if the animal is actually an orphan. Supinely, most often the answer will be no. The baby may have simply fallen out its nest or it could be a fledgling. Fledglings are “birds in training.” They cannot fly very well but are capable of gripping branches and will have look somewhat scruffy. Nestlings have very few feathers and are not capable of gripping branches or even walk very well.
If the bird is a nestling and it is not injured, try to find the bird’s nest. Nests can be well hidden and it may take some searching. Once you have found it, carefully scoop the baby, and place it back into the nest. Do not worry about the old wives’ tale that the parents will reject it because it “smells” human. This will not happen since birds have very poor sense of smell. Still, it is best to handle the baby as little as possible and wash your hands thoroughly beforehand.
If the nest has fallen out of the tree, you can try to nail or wire it back into the tree. If the nest has been destroyed or you cannot find it, make a new nest by placing some dry grass or similar material into an empty margarine tub or similar container. Then, nail or wire the new “nest” into the tree and put the baby bird or bird eggs inside. As soon as you leave, the parents should return. If the want to ensure that the parents return, you can watch from a distance. Do not put them inside a birdhouse because this will make it very difficult for the parents to find them.
If the parents have not returned in two hours, something may be wrong. Remember, that this is rarely the case. Both parents usually raise the babies, although one parent can manage on its own. It is very rare for both parents to be killed.
If the bird is a fledgling and it is not injured, leave it alone. Its parents are caring for it. If it is injured, or if you are sure that the bird has been orphaned, then it is time to contact your local wildlife rehabilitator or local game warden. In the meantime, place the bird inside a shoebox lined with paper towels or tissue. Keep the box in a warm place until you contact the proper authorities.
Wildlife rehabilitators are generally volunteers who have been specially trained in the care and rehabilitation of orphaned, sick, and injured wildlife. You can usually locate one by contacting the Game & Fish Department, Animal Control, Humane Society, or your local veterinarian. There is also a very good list located on the internet:
· U.S. Wildlife Rehabilitator Contacts by State (A-M)
· U.S. Wildlife Rehabilitator Contacts by State (N-W)
Generally, it is better not to give the bird anything to eat or drink until you have contacted the right authorities. If it is taking a while, you can give the bird some oral fluids such as Pedialyte or a ten percent solution of warm water and table sugar. Be careful; giving the bird too much water can cause it to drown. Give the solution slowly using an eyedropper. You can also give the bird a small amount of commercial bird hand-raising formula, canned dog food, or a thin mixture of high protein baby cereal and hard-boiled egg yolk.
There are numerous reasons that you should not try to raise any animal yourself. First, it is illegal to keep a wild animal yourself without the proper licensing. Second, it can be exhausting. Baby birds need to be fed every twenty minutes from dawn until dusk. Third, food and shelter are not the only things that these birds need to survive. They need skills that are taught to it by its parents. Finally, young birds can become imprinted on humans or come to believe that they will provide it with food. Once it loses its fear of humans, it is permanently vulnerable.
Often times, parents believe that raising a baby bird will be a great experience for their child. Unfortunately, orphaned birds have a high mortality rate, even under the best circumstances. If you think your child is devastated at having to give it up, imagine how upset he or she will be when they have to bury it in the backyard. Teaching your children to properly take care of other animals properly is a much better lesson (and much easier for you).
Remember, Mother Nature has been doing this for thousands of years and has come up with a good system. Intervene only if absolutely necessary and only until the proper authorities can be notified and take over.
