04/02/2026
Great information about baby birds! 🦅
It’s officially baby bird season. We do not have enough songbird rehabbers to hand-raise all the baby birds you find so here’s a quick guide on what to do:
If you find an unfeathered baby (a “naked” little nugget):
👉 Pick it up. It’s a myth that mom will reject it if you touch it.
👉 DO NOT FEED IT. Not worms, not crackers, not milk. Nothing.
👉 Check to see if it’s warm.
- If it's warm, no injuries, and has NOT been in a cat’s mouth? Pop that baby right back in the nest.
- If it's cold to the touch? Bring it inside and call for guidance ASAP.
- Can’t find or reach the nest? Time to get crafty 👇
🐣 Those Easter baskets you’re about to have lying around? They make great makeshift nests
✔️ Add some pine straw for cushion
✔️ Poke holes in the bottom for drainage
✔️ Hang it in a tree as close to the original nest as possible
Then head inside and watch. If mom starts coming back to feed, you’re golden. If not, send a text.
If you find a fully feathered little dude (a fledgling):
👉 As long as it's chirping and hopping around, it's probably just doing what baby birds do.
👉 If the baby bird is not trying to avoid you and looks weak or tired, call for guidance.
👉 Watch from inside and watch for parents to come feed. If you don't see parents, call for help.
Their best shot at survival is still with his parents. Fledglings are on the ground for a few days, hopping around and learning to fly. In most cases, mom and dad are nearby and still feeding them.
And just to be clear… You are not its mom.
Even if you put on a feather boa and pre-chew its food (please… don't do this 😆).
Only intervene if:
🚨 The bird is injured
🚨 The bird has been in a cat’s mouth
🚨 Parents haven't been seen in an extended period of time.
🚨 The bird is acting weak with eyes closed, sick, or not hopping away. (A photo is always helpful).
Otherwise, the best help is giving them space. Thank you for helping us keep wildlife wild 💚
