Fledglings Away!

FLEDGLINGS AWAY AND DO'S AND DON'TS WHEN YOU SEE A BIRD ON THE GROUND:

Springtime is ending and that means all of those cute little nestlings who have been secretly tucked away in the safe shadow of varied foliage are fledging. The number of days a nestling will stay in their nest varies by species and much like people their "personalities," will affect how they emerge. After observing this transition you might find that some birds hop a lot more than another, fly better faster/sooner, are clumsy, shy, friendly, aggressive, noisy, silent, etc This variety can be among different species of birds but we have found that even birds of the same species with same parents can emerge vastly different from a "sibling." As they get their flight feathers, they will be awkwardly venturing out and there is a lot you can do to "help" them.

​1. It is VERY common for them to be on the ground. DO NOT AUTOMATICALLY PICK IT UP OR INTERFERE WITH IT IN ANY WAY.

2. It is VERY common for fledges to be on the ground (yes, I said twice for a reason).

The Red-bellied fledgling last year was on the ground for about fifteen minutes at one "sitting." My mom saw an Eagle fledgling on the ground for 3 HOURS. If you see this, DO BE MINDFUL OF YOUR PETS AND KEEP THEM IN THE HOUSE WHILE THE FLEDGE IS ON THE GROUND.

3. Realize, the bird parents are probably close by (even if you can't see them).

Birds tend to subscribe to "Tough Love parenting." They may bring food to the fledglings while they are on the ground or in a tree but they are trying to teach them to find food on their own. So don't be surprised if they don't bring food to them. They will even turn their back to them for a little while if the fledgling comes to them wanting food, I think to get them to go on their own. We observed a male bird and fledging in our tree. The male bird three times flew to the feeder and back to the fledges spot in the tree. He did not feed the fledge but I believe he was trying to get the fledge to follow him. After the third time, the adult male pecked at the fledge. When the fledge didn't follow him, the adult male left him there alone for a while. Also, If the fledgling goes to the ground, one or both parents will wait nearby. They may eventually join them on the ground but only after some time as passed as they want to see if junior will figure out on his own. You can watch, get your camera and take pics, or even fill your feeders at a safe difference away but DO NOT INTERFERE.

4. The fledglings may run into things, miss landings, or stumble off of a limb. Generally, look clumsy or awkward where most birds are relatively graceful. Most likely, they will be fine.

This is the time they are learning how to use the gifts God has given them. They are practicing (think of taking training wheels off of a bike). Some birds learn faster than others. DO NOT AUTOMATICALLY THINK THEY ARE INJURED. I was sure the RBWP fledge was injured when he ran into the glass. He was stunned a bit, but after a few minutes, he was fine. All parts seemingly worked. Other than the training wheel analogy. I can only think of my three kids learning to walk. They'd get up, fall down, walk, stumble, and repeat. Until they learned to walk with ease. Bird babies are the same way.

5. The fledges may just sit somewhere and peep/cry.

Yes, this is the hardest part. DO NOT PANIC/ASSUME THE WORST. We hear this and think the fledges are in distress. Don't be fooled. Sometimes they are just "lazy." They have been fed and catered to up until this point. The bird parents are trying to teach them independence. We HAVE found that the parent(s) will eventually come and feed them or coax them back to the nest. Additionally, we have observed that other bird mama's don't seem to like the crying either and act as if they want to respond; but they don't because they know its a process.

6. Sometimes the fledges sit with their mouth open. This is also a carryover from their nestling days.

DO NOTE THAT THIS MAKES IDENTIFYING SOME OF THEM EASIER. You can also check their (gape, term for the interior opening of the mouth, and see that it is a lighter color. This is also a carryover from nest days when the adult would bring back food, and all of the nestlings would open their mouth the adult could drop the food in easier. When adult birds do this (the Grackles do it a lot, but I rarely see other birds do this), they are releasing heat from their bodies.

7. Finally, drive slowly out of your driveway (or into mine).

This might be the most significant danger they face next to you and yours picking them up off of the ground. The fledges may be able to hop and fly, but they are unaware of the danger that a car can pose. Unlike adult birds, they won't immediately fly off. DO USE CAUTION. Look out for them and give them time to move.

FINALLY, If the fledge has been on the ground over a few hours (in the same or near to the same place), I encourage you to take a picture and send it to a wildlife rehabber or seasoned birder to get their take BEFORE YOU INTERFERE. At that point, if it is indeed injured, they may choose to come to you to get the bird, or at the least, can probably give you guidance on how you can get it to a vet or rehab clinic for help. THIS IS THE LAST RESORT.

🐦Happy Birding!