1) WAIT, DON'T PICK UP THAT BABY - Most baby birds on the ground are not orphans, sick nor injured.

• Well-feathered young birds that can move about, but are not yet able to fly are called "branchers" or "fledglings." It is normal for them to be on the ground and it's best to leave them alone so their parents can continue to care for them.
• Fledgling birds are like toddlers: they can hop and fly a little bit, but they need a few days to develop their skills.
• It is cruel to remove a healthy fledgling, young bird just because it is on the ground. It is learning very important things from its parents including dangers of domestic pets and how to feed itself.
• Many species of raptors will leave the nest when they are about half-grown (branchers). They can walk and climb but are not yet flighted. They have not been abandoned; the parents continue to feed and care for their young well into the fall months.
• If you find a hawk or owl that is on the ground, do not assume that it needs help. If it is standing, alert, and has some feathers, the parents are probably nearby. It may also be learning to hunt by catching ground insects. If it hasn't moved by the next day, then something may be wrong.
• Waterfowl (ducks and geese) have PRECOCIAL young - this means they are ready to "go" within hours of hatching. It is normal to see downy babies running around on the ground.

2) RETURNING TO THE NEST - Birds have a very poor sense of smell. This means young birds can be returned to the nest. The parents will continue to care for them, but only if you keep your distance.

• If you find an unfeathered or partially feathered nestling bird that has fallen from the nest, the best thing to do is to try to put it back into the nest.
• If an entire nest has blown out of a tree, the nest and babies can be put back up in the tree. To secure the nest in the tree fasten a container in the tree to place the nest in. The container (small basket, berry container, butter dish, etc.) must have holes in the bottom so it will not hold water and should not be deeper than the nest.
• If you are concerned for a young bird's safety while it is sitting on the ground waiting for parental care, simply pick it up and place it out of harm's way, on a branch, in a basket or in an open box secured to a nearby tree. The parents will usually return soon to feed their young, but only if they feel that it is safe.
• Once you have helped the baby back into a tree, remove yourself and other potential threats (cats, dogs, etc.) from the area. Watch for any activity from inside your house or leave the area. The parents will return shortly.
• If your cat is an avid hunter you may consider keeping it indoors for a couple of days or until your local baby birds have mastered the art of flying.

3) DO NOT RAISE BABY BIRDS ON YOUR OWN - Baby birds are very difficult to hand-raise.

• Their diet is very specific and varied depending on species and the incorrect or too much food can kill the baby or cause improper bone, growth or feather development. Birds cannot digest milk because they lack the proper enzymes.
• Temperature and housing requirements are very specific.
• Young birds must be fed every 10-30 minutes (depending on age) from dawn until dusk.
• Baby birds are often dehydrated and hypothermic and must be handled properly.
• Song/vocal development in birds is partially, if not entirely, learned so birds must be raised around their own species.

4) LAWS & REGULATIONS - All native wild birds are protected by law! It is illegal to keep them as pets or to raise orphans unless permitted by the state and federal governments.

• Place the baby bird into a paper bag or small box with ventilation holes. Make an artificial nest out of a small bowl or box lined with tissues.
• Newly hatched, naked and partially feathered nestlings need to be kept warm. It is difficult to keep them warm enough to survive, but not too warm. Their parents brood them at about 95-100 degrees F. Birds should always be able to escape from their heat source if too warm. Baby birds are very fragile and need professional care.
• Cats carry bacteria in their saliva that is very toxic to birds and can cause death within 48 hours. A Wildlife Rehabilitator should examine any bird found with a cat immediately.
• Keep birds quiet and away from people and pets.
• For precocial or feathered birds provide a small (peanut butter jar lid size) dish with water, (NO BREAD, MILK OR OTHER FOOD PLEASE!). Young birds, require a special diet to prevent development problems.
• If you are not able to bring the bird to a rehabilitator right away provide supplemental heat by placing half of the box or container on a heating pad, enabling the bird to move away from heat if it chooses. Providing a small stuffed animal or untreated feather duster will give some comfort to nestling and precocial birds.
• Young raptors that cannot be returned to the nest need to be raised by foster parents of the same species. If humans raise them they may become imprinted on humans and can never be returned to the wild because they associate humans with food.

For the nearest rehabber or other information call VINS Avian Rehabilitation Department at 802-359-5001 x 212 daily 8am-4pm.