Songbird Rescue Info
It is a federal crime to destroy or interfere with a nest, eggs, hatchling, nestling, fledgling or bird unless they are injured or orphaned – in which case you should call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. This means if you have house work planned and you find a nest you must wait until the birds have fledged to continue your work. If you find a nest in an “undesirable” place you must wait until the birds have fledged. This usually takes a matter of 2-3 weeks so please be patient.
Hatchling VS Nestling VS Fledgling:
A Hatchling or Nestling who has fallen out of the nest needs to be placed back in the nest (human scent/touch does not interfere with the mother raising her baby) that they fell from. If the nest has been destroyed see below. If the hatchling or nestling looks injured call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
A fledgling is a juvenile bird who CAN be out of the nest and needs a couple days to learn how to fly. The parents should be close by feeding and caring for the juvenile while they're on the ground. Do not get close or interfere with the juvenile, instead observe from a distance (inside from a window) to confirm parents are coming by. If they are not tending to their baby or the juvenile looks injured call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
If the nest has been destroyed or damaged (by weather, larger animal, etc.) you must rebuild a nest as close to the original as possible. This homemade “nest” must have drainage holes so water does not get trapped, must not be too small or too shallow so the babies don’t fall out, and must contain natural bedding (leaves, grass, branches, etc.). Colanders and wicker baskets work great for homemade “nests”
It bears repeating that no animal but ESPECIALLY birds should NOT be given food or water. The physiology of a bird’s mouth is VERY detailed and if water goes into the wrong opening, the bird will aspirate and die.
