Every spring, we see well-meaning people “rescue” fledgling birds that actually don’t need help. These young birds often spend a few days on the ground learning to fly while mum and dad keep a close eye nearby.
✅ Leave it be if it’s feathered, alert, and parents are around.
📞 Call for help if it’s injured, cold, unfeathered, or in danger.
If the parents aren’t immediately nearby, watch and wait! As the chicks get older, the parents may leave for up to 2 hours on a food mission, especially during the warmer hours!
If you’re unsure, give Wildlife A.R.C. a call – we can help figure out whether the bird really needs rescuing or just a bit of space to grow up wild and free.

