Each year, we get a lot of really interesting questions about wild bird behaviors: is [insert behavior here] normal, or does the bird need help? Sometimes, curious bird behavior is a normal part of their development, especially as young birds leave the nest and learn to live independently.
As much as we would love to help, Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance staff are not licensed to care for sick, injured, or possibly orphaned birds. We are lucky to have a wonderful partnership with the Dane County Humane Society’s Wildlife Center, a dedicated organization that provides rehabilitation for sick and injured wild creatures.
Last year, we teamed up with the Wildlife Center for a presentation to talk about a few common wild bird scenarios that people might encounter, and what to do next (watch the full video here). Read below for a few common examples based on real events:
I think this nest with eggs is abandoned. What now?
Ducks will often wait until they’ve laid all their eggs before beginning to incubate them. A Mallard nest with ten eggs is lined with down feathers (photo by Carolyn Byers).
Usually, just leave it be! Sometimes, birds can nest in interesting or conspicuous places. In a real scenario shared by the Wildlife Center (watch here), a female Mallard laid a few eggs in a planter in front of a bar. The business owners didn’t see her and worried she had been scared off by customers. However, in this case, they were not abandoned! Mallards might lay an egg a day, totaling up to about a dozen eggs, and then begin incubation, so that all the eggs will hatch at roughly the same time.
As a reminder: if you find a nest with eggs or young, it is best to leave it alone until after the birds have fledged and nesting season is over. It is against the law to remove or destroy a nest if there are eggs in it or if young birds depend upon it for survival, under the U.S. Bird Migratory Treaty Act.
I found a baby bird. What should I do?
It depends on the bird’s age. Healthy nestlings should be returned to the nest, while fledglings should be left alone (or moved a very short distance away from an immediate danger).
A nestling will have bare patches of pinkish skin and perhaps some patches of wispy feathers, but not yet fully developed feathers. They are not able to stand or hop on their own. Nestlings that are healthy and feel warm to the touch should be returned to their nest to be cared for by their parents. Read the Wildlife Center’s guide to assessing and reuniting nestlings here.
These American Kestrels are nestlings with soft white down (photo by Phil Brown).
This American Kestrel is a fledgling with grown-in feathers. Notice the wispy down feathers and short tail that differs from an adult bird (photo by Phil Brown).
Fledgling birds have grown in most of their feathers and look more like adult birds, possibly with some wispy feathers on their heads and shorter tails. They can hop around on their own and are learning to fly. Parents still watch and feed them, so they should be left where they are or close by (if near a road, the bird can be moved nearby to some vegetation for coverage). Bring pets indoors so they do not harm the bird and leave the area so the parents are comfortable returning to feed. Read the Wildlife Center’s guide to fledgling birds here.
There's a bird hopping around on the ground. Is it okay?
If it’s a fledgling, it’s probably okay! As discussed above, fledglings are going through a normal part of development—learning to fly and becoming independent from their parents. Parents are still feeding them and keeping an eye on them.
Wildlife Center staff shared this story of one gull who was brought in by well-meaning community members a couple of times. Though about the size of an adult, wispy feathers clued staff in that this was a fledgling gull, and even though it was on the ground in an urban area, a parent was observed watching nearby. Totally normal!
In another example, a fuzzy Eastern Screech Owl was found clinging to the side of a tree, just a little ways up the trunk. This fledgling owl was in the “brancher” stage of development, meaning the bird hadn’t yet learned to perfect flight, but could make it back up to safety by climbing up the tree.
I heard a bird hit my window. How can I help?
A stunned Tennessee Warbler contained in a cloth bag (photo by Hannah Sigg/Bird Collision Corps volunteer).
If the bird is alive but stunned, and you are able to contain it, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator. Follow these steps to keep the bird safely contained and comfortable for the time being.
Birds hitting windows can be a sad occurrence, but luckily there are many things you can do to prevent it. Check out our guide here!
I found a sick bird at my feeder/in my yard. Now what?
Bird feeders are spots where many birds congregate, which could enable the spread of disease. Be vigilant about keeping feeders clean and tidy. Here, American Goldfinches feed on a seed mix (photo via Pixabay).
Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator, then disinfect your feeders and baths. Illnesses at bird feeders, where multiple individuals and species congregate, can be very contagious. Symptoms to watch for can include visible sores, crusty eyes (read more about conjunctivitis, common in finches, here), twitching, poor coordination, or other neurological symptoms.
Generally, you should clean your feeders and baths at least once every 1-2 weeks. Be vigilant and clean them immediately if you notice a sick or dead bird in your yard. Recommended cleaning protocol:
Empty feeders or baths, and sweep up any fallen seed
Clean with a 10% bleach solution (one part bleach mixed with nine parts water) and rinse thoroughly with water
Allow to air dry completely (in the sun if possible) before filling with fresh seed or water and rehanging
As a general precaution, keep people and pets away from any sick or dead birds you encounter. You can also learn more about reporting sick or dead birds to the Wisconsin DNR here.
REMEMBER: if you find a bird or other wild animal that might be sick or injured, be sure to contact a licensed wildlife rehabber. They can advise you on the best steps to take, based on the animal’s condition.
Locally, the DCHS Wildlife Center is an incredible resource you can reach by phone (608-287-3235) or email (wildlife@giveshelter.org)
Visit the Wisconsin DNR Wildlife Rehabilitation Directory to find a rehabilitator near you
Have a question you’d like answered? Email us!
Cover: Eastern Bluebird fledglings, with spotted plumage, perch on a hanging bird feeder (photo via Pixabay.
