It’s been a very busy baby season so far this year and the variety of birds is different. I am getting Northern Flickers and Tufted Titmouse. I want to do a little myth busting and share some picture.
First- You can touch baby birds, it’s a myth about not touching them. Pick it up and get it out of harms way! Of course if it’s a mockingbird baby the parents will attack you, be forewarned. Yes, little guys like this are survivable but there is a long term cost. These little birds imprint. Meaning they don’t know how to be a bird. They can’t find food and don’t know what to fear. Yes, I can feed it but it will starve to death if released when it learn to fly.
Second – Fledglings don’t need your help! Walk away!! They have parents that will feed them on the ground. No, the parents can’t pick them up but they can feed and protect them while these feathered babies learn to fly. This is a fledgling that is imprinted and not releasable. Left in the wild he would be part of a flock.
