The Division of Wildlife Resources takes their stewardship of wildlife seriously and care for the largest as well as the smallest of creatures. The DWR is answering an apparently common question asked of wildlife officers, “I found a baby bird. What should I do?” Baby birds often leave their nests before they’re able to fly, moving along a branch calling for a parent to bring food. It’s during this adventure that winds blow baby birds off the branch and onto the ground. First, it’s okay to get the baby bird out of reach of cats and dogs by placing it on a safe branch. The parents will hear the bird where it is placed and your scent will not bother the parents. Second, leave the feeding of the baby bird to its parents. Finally, if the bird you come across is hopping around, it is no longer a baby but a fledgling. If the bird isn’t in real danger, leave it where you found it. The “hopping” stage is a natural process the young bird goes through. And rest assured mom and dad are nearby watching and feeding their cute little offspring.
