Spot a baby bird on the ground? Don’t be tempted to bird-nap it

Spring brings blooming flowers and buzzing bees, but it also marks fledgling season for Australian birds. Fledglings are young birds that have left the nest and are learning to fly and forage. These birds may appear on the ground, often in unusual locations, looking a bit messy with patches of fluffy feathers.

Rescuing a fledgling bird may cause more harm than good. It can disrupt the bird's natural development, deprive it of food, and potentially affect the local bird population. Instead of attempting to rescue a fledgling, it's best to observe and wait. If the bird is in a risky location, like near a road, slowly approach it and it might fly away on its own.

If the fledgling remains grounded, gently place it in the nearest vegetated area, keeping a safe distance. Make sure to use gloves or a soft cloth while handling the bird and wash your hands afterward. If the bird appears injured, contact a wildlife carer or rescue organization for guidance.

Nestlings, which are younger birds that can't fly and still depend on their parents for survival, should be returned to their nest if possible. If the nest isn't visible, place the chick on a stable branch high up in a nearby tree to allow its parents to find it. Avoid feeding or watering the bird, as this can harm its delicate mouth and throat.

For further assistance, reach out to local wildlife carers, wildlife organizations, or veterinarians in your state or territory for specific instructions on handling and transporting injured or nestling birds.