When Baby Birds Arrive

Spring and summer are baby season in the bird world, and many birds raise multiple broods of demanding hatchlings. As young birds grow, it can seem heartless when adults push them out of the nest and encourage them to set forth on their own, but parent birds always have the survival of their chicks in mind. No matter how tempting it may be, birders should avoid interfering with baby birds except in dire circumstances. While there are times when interference is necessary, most often the best course of action is to leave the baby bird alone.

If You Find a Baby Bird, DO NOT…

It is a harsh truth that infant mortality is very high among wild birds, and the majority of chicks do not survive to maturity. While it can be tempting to care for baby birds, understanding what not to do when finding young birds is essential to provide them the best chances for a healthy, wild life.