1. Assess the Situation
Before taking any action, it’s important to assess the situation carefully. Check if the bird is injured or if there are any obvious signs of distress. If the bird appears to be injured, it is best to contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center for further assistance. If the bird seems healthy and uninjured, you may proceed with the following steps.
2. Determine the Bird’s Age
Knowing the age of the baby bird is vital for its care. If the bird is featherless or has only a few feathers, it is a nestling and needs to be placed back in its nest if possible. If the bird has well-developed feathers but is unable to fly, it is a fledgling and needs to stay on the ground to learn important survival skills.
3. Reuniting a Nestling with Its Nest
If you determine that the bird is a nestling and the nest is within reach, carefully pick up the bird using gloves or a cloth and place it back into the nest. This is the best way to ensure its chances of survival, as its parents will continue to care for it.
4. Creating a Substitute Nest
If you cannot reach the original nest or it is damaged, you can create a substitute nest using a small container lined with soft materials such as tissue or grass. Make sure the substitute nest has drainage holes to prevent water accumulation.
5. Feeding the Nestling Bird
Nestlings require a specialized diet that only their parents can provide. If you are unable to return the bird to the nest, it is crucial to seek help from a wildlife rehabilitation center or a licensed bird rehabilitator. They have the necessary knowledge and expertise to feed the bird an appropriate diet.
6. Monitoring from a Distance
After you have taken appropriate action, it is important to monitor the bird from a distance. Avoid excessive handling and observe if the parents return to care for the nestling. If you notice the baby bird being fed or if there is a high chance of parental care, it is best to leave the bird alone.
7. Seeking Professional Help
If the bird remains in distress, shows signs of injury, or is not receiving parental care, it is crucial to contact a wildlife rehabilitation center or a licensed bird rehabilitator. These professionals have the expertise and resources to provide the necessary care for the bird and maximize its chances of survival.
- Assess the situation.
- Determine the bird’s age.
- Reuniting a nestling with its nest.
- Creating a substitute nest.
- Feeding the nestling bird.
- Monitoring from a distance.
- Seeking professional help.
We hope these guidelines help you in caring for a fallen nestling bird. Remember, it is important to prioritize the bird’s welfare and seek professional assistance when needed. By doing so, you significantly increase its chances of survival in the wild.