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Helping Florida's Wildlife: Baby Birds
A guide to help you make the best decision concerning when and when not
to assist wildlife.
In nature, young animals sometimes become separated from their
parents and need help. If the mother's dead body has been seen or
the young one is obviously injured, ill, cold, or starving -
intervention is necessary. In many cases, however, when baby birds
appear "orphaned" they actually are being well cared for. Over 75%
of young animals that are rescued by well intentioned people do not
need help.
Before you make any decision to intervene, the most important thing to
do is to patiently observe the young bird in its surroundings to decide
if the baby actually needs help. Was there a storm with high winds?
Could it have fallen from the nest? If the baby bird is fully feathered
and hopping around, it has probably reached that age when it is practicing
its flying and foraging skills. The parents are still protecting and
feeding them at this stage, which only lasts 2-3 days. Confining any
cats, dogs, and children and placing the baby bird in a safer area if
necessary (up on some branches), is the best way you can help. Wildlife's
natural parents are always better at caring for them than human foster
parents. Quite simply, a wild animal's chance of survival is greatly
increased when left in its natural environment.
If the baby bird has no feathers or can not stand or perch it must be
returned to the nest. Human scent does NOT cause abandonment as the old
wives' tale says. Abandonment occurs when the parent bird loses visual
contact with the baby for a period of time (which is different for some
species.) This will happen if you are standing in the area, keeping the
parents from their job, so do what you need to as quickly as possible.
If you cannot locate the nest or it has been destroyed, simply create a
substitute. Use a plastic berry box or a planter with drain holes.
Cushion the bottom with natural non-absorbent material such as pine straw.
Next, anchor it securely to the shady side of a tree or in shrubs close
to where you discovered the baby. Parent birds have a strong urge to
feed and will locate and tend their young if given a chance. Gently
place the baby bird in the new nest and observe it from a good distance,
checking periodically to make sure the parents return. If the nest is in
an awkward place and must be moved, move it a few feet each day to a safer
position.
If the parent does not return within 1 hour to the nest or 2 hours to the
baby on the ground, and you decide to take responsibility for the young
bird, it is important to get it to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator as
soon as possible. They are permitted by the Florida Game and Fresh Water
Fish Commission and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to provide care for
wildlife. Keep the bird in a warm, dark and quiet place where they can't
move around much, such as a small box and don't attempt to feed it.
Always keep in mind that it is illegal to harass, harm, or possess
wildlife. Enjoy observing wild animals in their natural surroundings,
but don't try to touch them. If you observe someone harming or harassing
wildlife, contact your local Fish and Game department immediately. Your
quick actions may help save a wild life!
(A portion of this information is taken from the Florida Audubon Society
brochure October 1993)
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