🐦‍⬛Nature Study: Fledglings

There’s something magical about seeing baby birds in the spring and summer. But sometimes that magic comes with concern—like when you spot a fluffy, awkward young bird on the ground in your backyard. Is it hurt? Lost? Should you help?

Before rushing in, it’s important to understand what you’re seeing. In many cases, the best thing you can do is nothing at all. Here's a simple guide to help you know when—and when not—to intervene if you find a fledgling in your garden.

What Is a Fledgling?

A fledgling is a young bird that has left the nest but isn’t quite ready to fly well yet. These birds are usually fully feathered (though they may still have some fluffy down) and can hop, flutter, or perch on low branches. Unlike nestlings, which are bald or barely feathered and should never be out of the nest, fledglings are in a natural stage of development.

This is an essential phase in their learning process. Their parents are usually nearby, still feeding and teaching them how to survive.

How to Tell If the Bird Needs Help

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Is the bird feathered? If yes, it’s likely a fledgling.
2. Is it hopping or fluttering? That’s normal fledgling behavior.
3. Are there cats, dogs, or obvious dangers nearby? If so, consider gently moving the fledgling to a safer nearby spot—under a bush or into a tree—but don’t take it far.
4. Is it injured or bleeding? If yes, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately.
5. Is it calling loudly and continuously without being approached by an adult bird? Watch quietly from a distance for at least 30–60 minutes. Parents usually return, but if they don’t, the bird may be orphaned.

What You Should Do (and Not Do)

✅ Do:

• Observe from a distance.
• Keep pets and children away.
• Place the bird on a low branch or under shrubbery if it’s in immediate danger.
• Call a wildlife rescue center if the bird is truly orphaned, injured, or in a hazardous location.

🚫 Don't:

• Don’t try to raise the bird yourself—this is illegal in many places and harmful to the bird.
• Don’t assume a bird on the ground is abandoned.
• Don’t feed the bird anything (milk, bread, worms, etc.).
• Don’t take it far from where you found it.

What If It’s a Nestling?

If the bird is tiny, mostly bald, or barely feathered, it’s not a fledgling—it’s a nestling, and it should be in the nest. If you can see the nest nearby, gently return it. It's a myth that birds will reject babies touched by humans. If the nest is gone, make a substitute nest with a small container and some grass or paper towel, and place it securely in a nearby tree.

If the bird appears cold, weak, or injured, contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center.

Teach Kids to Be Bird Helpers, Not Bird Rescuers

Finding a fledgling can be a great learning opportunity for kids. Talk about the bird’s life cycle, the role of animal parents, and the importance of not interfering with nature unless absolutely necessary. Helping them understand the difference between caring about nature and intervening in nature is a valuable lesson in empathy and responsibility.

Life Cycle of an American Robin

Take Away

When in Doubt, Wait It Out. If you spot a fledgling in your garden, remember: its parents are probably nearby, and it’s likely doing exactly what it’s supposed to. Give it space, keep pets away, and only intervene if there’s clear danger or injury.

By doing so, you’re giving the bird the best chance at growing strong and independent—just as nature intended.

Have you ever found a fledgling or nestling in your yard? Share your story or questions in the comments! 

You might also be interested in:

24 Common Birds To Teach Your Child