Wild Birds

In my area, I am known as the "Bird Lady". The village's tree trimming department knows me because I contact them when I need branches for my bird's perches. I usually meet them at the site and they cut whatever branches I want. In return, I accept baby birds from the nests of the trees they are trimming or cutting down. Of course, neighbors and friends bring me babies that have fallen from the nest during the spring and summer months. I have nursed back to health and hand-raised many baby birds successfully, at which point I acclimate them back to the wild before release.

If you find a baby bird on the ground and he has all of his feathers, but cannot fly…LEAVE HIM ALONE. He is a fledgling and Mom and Dad are still taking care of him. All fledglings live on the ground for a few days before they can fly. Of course if you find a baby bird on the ground and he has no feathers, he needs help. The best thing you can do is return him back to his nest. Mom & Dad will take care of him. It is an old wives’ tale about your smell being on the bird and them refusing it. If you cannot return him to the nest, bring him in. He immediately needs to be warmed up. The best thing you can do now is find an experienced person to take and raise him. Raising these little guys is very difficult. Try to locate a Wildlife Rehabilitation facility or person in your area. Below are some links to find help. If you have a native American baby bird such as a Blue Jay, Cardinal, Robin etc., they are actually illegal to have in your possession and must be taken to a licensed Wildlife Facility. The Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation Center will take the baby in, raise him and then release him back to the wild.

Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation
Locations in Barrington & downtown Chicago
(847) 842-8000

For more information, please go to Starling Talk. This informative site will help guide you.
Other informative sites are: The Wild Bird Care Centre, Wildlife Care, Fostering Orphaned Birds
Find a local rehabilitator

If you are in my area, I would be glad to help you. Please feel free to call or email me.

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