Peace River Wildlife Center

Understanding normal bird development and behavior is one of the most important tools we have to reduce unnecessary admissions and improve outcomes.

Not Every Baby Bird Is an Orphan

The absence of an adult bird nearby does not mean a baby has been abandoned. Many species intentionally leave their young alone for periods of time to avoid drawing attention from predators. In most cases, the parents are still actively caring for the bird.

Understanding the Fledging Process

Fully feathered young birds found on the ground are typically fledglings. This is a normal and critical stage of development where they spend days to weeks learning how to fly and forage. During this time, one or both parents continue to feed and monitor them from a distance.

Fledglings should be left where they are. If needed, they can be gently moved a short distance to nearby cover. Keeping pets indoors and minimizing human disturbance during this period significantly reduces the risk of injury or predation.

Returning Nestlings to the Nest

• Locate the original nest whenever possible and return the bird.
• Ensure the bird is warm before returning it. Cold nestlings are sometimes rejected.
• If the original nest cannot be accessed, create a substitute nest and secure it as close to the original site as possible.

Parent birds will continue to care for their young despite human handling. Monitoring from a distance is appropriate, but avoid lingering nearby, as adults may delay returning if there is activity around the nest.

If no parent returns after an extended observation period, further intervention may be required.

When a Bird Needs Intervention

• Bleeding or visible wounds
• Limb or wing deformities
• Neurologic signs such as head tilt or inability to stand
• Evidence of cat or dog interaction
• Parasite burden such as maggots or warbles
• Subcutaneous emphysema, which is air trapped under the skin

These cases require prompt stabilization and transfer for treatment.

Why Reuniting Matters

• Migration orientation: Some species rely on early-life exposure to natural light cycles and night skies to navigate migration.
• Vocal learning: Many birds must hear species-specific songs during a critical developmental window to communicate and reproduce successfully.
• Survival skills: Predator avoidance, foraging, and environmental awareness are learned behaviors that are difficult to replicate in captivity.

Even under ideal conditions, birds raised in human care face significant challenges post-release compared to those raised naturally.

Education and restraint are often the most impactful forms of care. By allowing wild birds to be raised by their parents whenever possible, we give them the strongest chance at survival.