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BABY BIRD -Nanny 911 (1 Viewer)

L

Leonid

New member
Hi guys, I apologise if it is posted on the wrong forum... This question was posted on another message board and we would really like to help this baby bird:

"Help - anyone who knows birds. Each year we have a starling mom build her nest on our front porch. I don't remember how old the babies are as of date; but, they appear fairly large & w/ some feathers. This morning a commotion went on. I thought the babies were leaving the nest. Then, I saw another starling and some other birds gathering & chasing one another. After all that, I discovered a baby on the ground (porch).

I read conflicting reports on the wildlife spots. It's definitely NOT a nestling. But, I am unsure that it is a "fledgling", which according to the net, should be left alone (doesn't appear to be in any danger of animal attack). I've watched it most of the day. It tries to fly - but can't quite get lift off. It can hop about - but not great. The mom has been swooping down. The baby opens it's mouth. I don't see any food going in; but, the mom is going through the motions of feeding it.

Question is - should I leave it alone (as suggested for fledglings - again I know nothing about it except what I've read on the net) or put it back in the nest? The nest is pretty crowded with two babies left (they are fairly large).

I want to really be well meaning - and not just "well meaning" & screw up the natural order of things."​

Thanks so much...
 

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Hi Leonid and a warm welcome to you from those of us on staff here at BirdForum.

If you can easily get the baby back in the nest then go for it or if you can hang a basket on a limb near by the nest then try that. Otherwise, I would leave it alone and hope for the best. Nature isn't always kind but it has its own way of culling the weaker of a species. Good luck and keep us posted.
 
Hello. Leonid was kind enough to post my bird situation on this forum.

The bird is being feed by mama. The bird appears to be closer to a "flegling". I read not to put this babe back into the nest. Our concern with attempting to do so may result in harming the bird. He's an active fellow. He attempts lift off & goes about 10" into the air. He's fairly protected up on the somewhat enclosed porch.

Do you think putting him back in the nest is still a good idea? Around our house, we do have some hard hats & protective glasses as Mama may dive at us!
 
I can assure you, after putting many baby birds back in nests, you won't be bombarded unless....... it's the northern mockingbird ;) Seriously, if the fledgling seems okay where it is and not in any danger, leave it be. Good luck.

And a warm welcome to you to needabirdnanny :t:
 
He doesn't seem to be in any danger. And he has hopity flew into the little nest I put on the front. I'd prefer not to take the risk of injuring the little fella or possibly the whole nest.

If the situation changes, how would you propose to pick him in the least damaging way?

Funny about Mockingbirds, hubby will have full protective gear - as he has placed baby mockingbirds (tiny ones) back in their nest. Yes - a brave soul. Raleigh, NC has made the news as the downtown Fayetteville Street Mall is a danger zone for people. Most people walking on the mall are getting attacked by the mockingbirds.

Thanks again - I will have to tell my father about this forum. In their retirement years, birdwatching has become a passion.
 
If the bird is that well advanced in its ability, then trying to put it back in the nest would be fruitless. It will just keep hopping out again. This is what they are supposed to do;)

By all means, spread the word about BirdForum. :)
 
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