What to do if you find a baby bird
If you see what looks like an injured bird on the ground, naturally you will feel great concern and you’ll have a strong desire to intervene and call for help.
Before you do either, this quick guide might help you identify whether or not the bird you see is in fact a Fledgling or a Nestling.
Fledglings
Fledglings are young birds that have just attempted their first flight from the nest! You may see them hopping and fluttering around on the ground as they try to fully take off. This can take a few days and it is important to remember that the parents will still be flying back and forth to them with food.
We need to remember that what is happening here is completely normal and these little ones need space to master flying.
Nestlings & Hatchlings
These little ones should not be out of their nest yet but sometimes bad weather and predators can cause them to fall out. Hatchlings will be featherless, with their eyes still closed. Nestlings might have their eyes open and have a few feathers.
If you can locate their nest, gently place them back in it. If you can’t find the nest, make one using a small box with vegetation and place it in a safe location near to where they were found. Observe from a distance to see if the parents return to them.
When to call the USPCA
- If you’ve been observing from a distance and notice that no parents have returned to the baby bird within one hour, ring our Wildlife Team on 028 3025 1000.
- If you spot an obvious injury or see them entangled in litter or affected by oil/pollution, ring our Wildlife Team on 028 3025 1000.
- If the baby bird is in immediate danger, move them to a safer location. Call us if you are unsure.