I Found a Baby Bird!

 by Paula Johanson

Image shared with permission from @GeorgiaAudubon on Twitter.

Continuing our Bird Theme on Sci/Why for another week, here's another post for fans of ornithology, the study of birds. Birdwatching is one of the most popular pastimes in North America, for people of any age and particularly families. For this study, amateurs don't need much more than a notebook and maybe a pair of binoculars. There are SO MANY resources to find at public libraries and online!

As the Audubon Society in Georgia notes, in North America we are entering the season of baby birds. Here are some handy tips so you'll know what to do if you find a baby bird. (Click on the image to see a larger and more readable version.)

 

In case the image isn't clear for you, the tips are very simple.

-If the bird looks injured, call your local wildlife rehabilitation centre.

-If the bird has feathers, hopping on the ground is normal. If it's safe from dogs or cats or people, leave it alone. 

-If the bird is too young to have feathers, put it back in the nest. (Dry, clean hands don't have a lot of scent, and the parents don't care about your scent.)

And remember: even if you can't help that one bird, supporting bird and wildlife habitat in your area will do plenty to help many birds.