WHAT
TO DO
Step 1
You have found a
young bird.
Step 2
Please download this evaluation map
to determine what needs to be done.
Step 3
If through the evaluation map you determine that the young bird needs our help, please phone us at (204) 510-1855. Then go on to read the "How to Rescue Baby Wildlife" instructions to find out what to do with the young bird before you can get it to the centre.
Natural history
information on infant birds
NESTLINGS
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Nestlings are infant birds that are pink and featherless or have feathers that are just beginning to come in and are dependent on their parents for food and warmth. At this stage they should always be in a nest. If you find a nestling on the ground they have usually fallen and are directly below the nest. The best thing to do is to place the bird back into its nest. If the nest is damaged, or out of reach, poke drain holes into a margarine container and place grass/or twigs into bottom of container. Then place it as high into the tree and as close to the original nest as possible. Watch for about two hours to ensure parents are caring for the young in the new or original nest. |
Crow and Raven infants need to be placed into the same tree as the nest or the parents will not care for them. DON’T attempt to feed a nestling bird. They require a special diet and other foods can make them very sick.
Birds DO NOT have a good sense of smell and therefore WILL NOT reject their young if humans have touched them.
FLEDGLINGS
Fledglings are feathered birds with short tail feathers found sitting on the ground. At this stage in life fledglings jump out of the nest as a normal part of their “flight training.” The parents still continue to feed the young on the ground, until the young birds are able to fly, usually in a few days. Watch from a distance for 2-3 hours to ensure the parents are caring for it. If no parents are around or if the fledgling looks depressed, injured or cold, contain it in a box and call the Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
Cats, dogs and curious children should be kept away from the bird, so the parents can continue to feed it. PLEASE DO NOT GIVE THEM FOOD! If the parents believe the young are able to find their own food, they will stop feeding them. Also most human foods can make birds very sick as each species has its own special diet it requires.
DO call the centre if any wild animal has
been touched by a cat. These animals usually require treatment to avoid
infection.
.
NEED HELP?
If you have found a wild animal that you think may be orphaned
or injured, read our WHAT TO DO section or give us a call at
(204) 510-1855
Do's and Don'ts for living in harmony
with wildlife
Living With Wildlife
(by Aspen Valley Wildlife Centre)
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Thank - You's
Charity Number
#826093155RR0001
