Learning to fly, or fledging, can be a challenging process for baby birds. The skill takes a while to master, and fledglings spend plenty of time on the runway regaining their strength and preparing for another takeoff attempt.
Although it can be concerning to see fledgling birds on the ground, they are often being closely supervised by their parents from a nearby tree and simply need more practice to successfully take to the skies.
How to tell a baby bird needs help
To determine whether a baby bird on the ground needs your help, check for feathers. If the bird is only covered in down or has no feathers at all, or appears injured, it needs immediate veterinary attention. Call the Redlands Wildlife Rescue Service on 3833 4031 for help.
If the bird has flight feathers and is bright, vocal and able to flutter to the ground when encouraged to fly, it is a fledgling and will have a better outcome if it can be reunited with it’s parents. Place the fledgling on a low branch, move away, and wait to see if the parents arrive.
If the parents don’t seem to be around, follow the RSPCA guideline and create a substitute nest to keep the fledgling safe. If the parents don’t visit your substitute nest within an hour, call the Redlands Wildlife Rescue Service on 3833 4031 for help.