Tags: nestlings

Bird Emergencies

07/03/10 08:42 , Categories: bird , Tags: bird rehabilitation, bird rescue, birds, fledgings, injured birds, nestlings, rehab, wildlife rehab

This is the time of year when rehabilitators get phone calls for injured or orphaned birds. Here are some tips on what to do if you have a bird emergency......

Nestling or Fledgling?

05/14/10 10:41 , Categories: bird , Tags: bird rehabilitation, bird rescue, birds, fledgings, nestlings, rehab, wildlife rehab

Don't be too eager to rescue a fully feathered young songbird (fledgling) that can't quite fly. An uninjured, young looking bird found on the ground may not be an orphan. The first thing you need to do is assess the animal for any obvious injuries such as an oddly angled leg or wing, puncture wounds or bleeding. If the bird is healthy looking, you should next allow the bird to perch on your finger. If the bird is able to grip your finger firmly, the baby bird is a fledgling. However, if the bird is not able to cling to your finger, it is probably a nestling.