By Jess Garby
Last summer, I stayed at a lovely Airbnb in Vermont, spending most of my time biking around the rolling hills of Waterbury. One day, I discovered a nestling American Robin at the edge of the driveway near the grass. I decided not to touch or move it. When I returned from my bike ride that evening, I learned the Airbnb homeowner had unknowingly run over the nestling. My heart broke for the tiny bird and its mother, and I regretted not moving it.
What can we do to help nestlings when they fall out of nests? I spent some time researching this so you don’t have to!
First, Determine Whether It Is a Nestling or a Fledgling
Most baby birds found on the ground are fledglings, not nestlings. Fledglings have recently left the nest but cannot fly well yet. They are still being fed and protected by their parents, who are usually nearby even if you cannot see them. Although they may appear vulnerable, they do not need human intervention. In fact, returning a fledgling to the nest will only result in it hopping right back out. To identify a fledgling look for their feathers and movement. They can hop or flutter, and grip twigs with their toes. They are cute and fluffy, and have a stub of a tail.
If you find a fledgling, the best action is usually no action. Keep pets indoors and give the baby bird space. If it is in immediate danger, such as on a road or driveway, you may gently move it a short distance to safety.
Nestlings Need More Help
Nestlings are different; they are potentially vulnerable. They are sparsely feathered and not able to hop, walk, flit, or grasp onto your finger. If you find one, the nest is likely very close. If you locate the nest, place the bird back inside as quickly as you can. The parents will not abandon the baby if you touch it, but do not linger.
In rare instances, you may find a nestling that has been orphaned or injured. Unfortunately, songbird rehabilitators are few and far between, but we do have a local raptor rehabilitation center in Kalispell. Wild Wings Raptor Recovery will take injured birds of prey, and, on occasion, can admit other species. If you are located outside of Kalispell, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services has a map of migratory bird rehabilitation facility locations on their website at Find a Migratory Bird Rehab Facility.
Remember, most baby birds people find are healthy fledglings just learning how to be birds. Their parents are likely nearby watching them with admiration, or maybe giggling to each other about how silly their offspring are.
Additional Information Sources:
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services (What to do if you find a baby bird, injured or orphaned wildlife | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)
AllAboutBirds (I found a baby bird. What do I do? | All About Birds)