A Reminder: Please Do Not Kidnap Juvenile Birds!
Photo: Tree Swallow fledglings, Barbara Krizman/Audubon Photography Awards
Article by Audubon Society of Northern Virginia
We all want to help wildlife, but please do not make the mistake of kidnapping a fledgling you see on the ground.
When many young birds first fledge and leave the nest, they may still have a little down with short tail and wing feathers. Fledglings, however, are often NOT in need of human’s help when found on the ground. Did you know that many songbird species learn how to fly from the ground? They have left the nest and are able to sit upright, perch, and can hop or even flutter in short bursts. The baby appears to be alone on the ground, but the parent birds remain nearby in the trees and come down regularly to feed the baby, anywhere from several times an hour to every 1 or 2 hours. The baby will often hide itself in the grass or by low bushes for protection. This situation is completely normal for many songbirds and there is likely no need to interfere.
Read Audubon Society of Northern Virginia’s answers to more FAQs here!