06/17/2025
Here is a message to all our good hearted birdnappers!
When you come across a helpless-looking baby bird out of its nest, it’s hard to resist the overpowering urge to come to the rescue. But most of the time it’s best to do nothing.
Baby birds, or fledglings, learn to fly by trial and error and with encouragement from mother birds. Mother birds are very smart and will encourage fledglings to fly during feeding time. The mother bird stands farther and farther away from the nest each time she comes to feed the babies. The fledglings soon understand they must move away from the nest to be fed. Eventually, the fledglings step so far away from the nest they fall to the ground. Typically fledglings spread their wings as they fall, learning that they can ease the descent. They even start flapping their wings, which breaks the fall. Eventually, they associate this behavior with getting fed and not falling, so they have learned to fly. In some cases if the fledglings don't or won't jump, mother birds will push them out. lol 😁
Some fledglings usually will jump out of their nests before they even know how to fly. These are the times fledglings learn to fly from the ground, especially if there's no easy way for them to get back to the nest. In this case, they run around on the ground while hopping and spreading their wings. Eventually, they're able to hop onto low branches then fly. Mother birds will still feed the fledglings during this stage
So if you come across a baby birds on the ground, please give them the best possible chance for survival and leave them in the wild where they belong! Never attempt to treat or raise a baby bird on your own. Despite your best efforts, most hand-raised birds will die. If you are still in question of whether they need help then call a licensed wildlife rehabber to assess your situation.
Educate your friends, family, neighbors, and yourselves about the fledging process. Know where nesting sites are located, and keep cats and dogs indoors around the time you think the birds will fledge to avoid predation. Ask neighbors to take responsibility for their pets as well. Dont be a birdnapper! 😉
Here is a great guide to help you with fledglings:
