This segment was written by Hey Pittsburgh editor Francesca Dabecco and adapted locally by Hey Boise editor Blake Hunter.
Birds are migrating through and to southern Idaho, and it’s almost gosling and duckling season. The Golden Eagle Audubon Society has tips, classes, and birding opportunities for ways to make you a more friendly neighbor to Boise birds, and the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania shared these tips so you can make sure baby birds stay with their parents:
Birds Grow Quickly
They sometimes leave the nest before their feathers fully grow out. Don’t be concerned!
Leave Baby Birds Alone
The first flight doesn’t always go smoothly, and a bird may flutter to the ground. Parents are usually in the area and ready to help them.
Don’t See Parents? Don’t Worry!
Most birds have multiple chicks, and the parents will split their time looking after their brood.
Only Move a Bird at Risk
If a baby bird is out in the direct sun or exposed to predators, gently move the bird into a nearby shrub. Try to use a bush near where you found the chick so that its parents can easily find it.
- Mythbusting! It’s not true that a mother bird will abandon a chick that has been handled by humans. That isn’t a reason to make them your pet, though.
Seek Help for Hurt Wildlife
If you find a bird (or any wildlife) with visible injuries, contact the Animals in Distress Association.
Make Your Home Less Dangerous
About one billion birds die by flying into windows every year in the U.S., but you can deter the terrible “thunk” with a few design choices or even films placed over the glass.
