Dealing with Fledglings
A fledgling bird is older and ready to go; it's in the process of learning to fly and not on the ground as a result of some catastrophe. Fledglings have no sheaths on their feathers and usually feature a stubby, partially-developed set of tail feathers as well.
The best we can do for fledglings is leave them alone. The youngster may require two or three weeks before it masters flight. The parents know where the young bird is and are taking care of it. The fact that the bird may appear confused or frightened isn't unusual. Parents will disperse their fledglings into different areas to mitigate the odds of a predator getting the entire brood; so yes, it's alone, but no, it's not orphaned. A fledgling knows how to call for mom or dad if things get dicey.
Keep dogs and cats indoors or walk them somewhere else when fledglings are in the vicinity. When at home, keep an ear cocked, too, for loud agitated squawks and such, which could mean a neighbor's pet or something else is harassing the bird.
Fledglings end up in all sorts of odd places, some of which are potentially hazardous, and it may be necessary to move them, or to encourage them to move. A fledgling robin this year persisted in running underneath my pickup truck each time I walked out to drive somewhere, and I couldn't trust that it knew to get away safely when the vehicle started moving. I swatted at it with a broom — conditioning birds to fear people is not a bad thing after all — and it scampered back into the side yard to its usual hiding place among the shrubs.
What Not to Do
Life in the avian world is perilous; on average, just one of five songbirds born in the spring will survive its first year. Aside from monitoring our pets and resisting the urge to douse our lawns and gardens with pesticides and herbicides — these toxins may be taken in by parent birds gathering food, then passed on to young who are not strong enough to withstand them — there's little else we can do.
Do not attempt to feed or otherwise care for a nestling or fledgling. It's difficult, for one thing, and against federal law, for another. If the bird appears injured or truly orphaned, it must be handled by a licensed wildlife rehabilitation professional. Most libraries carry a national directory of wildlife rehab specialists; this is the person to contact when a young bird is in danger. Another resource is the nearest office of your state fish and wildlife agency.
The Glass Wall
Another common songbird problem involves birds flying into plate-glass windows. If this happens several times it is necessary to post the window or door with something opaque — bird silhouettes are available at many home and garden stores; brightly colored streamers can work, too.
A bird lying dazed on the ground following a head-on with a window needs assistance. Get a medium-size cardboard box and put the bird in it; a dish of water is optional, but never attempt to feed the bird or force it to drink. Put the box in a sheltered area, out of the sun and wind. In most cases it will need from 24 to 72 hours to fully recover. Do not attempt to feed the bird or “help” it fly.
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