Guidelines for Malta’s fledging season! Here’s what to do if you find a baby bird out of its nest
Falling out of the nest for older birds is a natural process of their development.
During the fledging season, it's not uncommon to come across young birds that may have fallen out of their nests. However, it's crucial to exercise caution and think twice before intervening. BirdLife Malta has issued some important information, showing that different baby birds require different calls to action.
Hatchlings are the youngest birds without feathers, and closed eyes, and if they fall out of the nest, the best course of action is to carefully return them to the nest. The parents will not abandon them, and it's nearly impossible to raise them successfully in captivity.
On the other hand, fledglings are older birds that have recently left the nest and are learning to fly. They have feathers and resemble adult sparrows, albeit smaller with larger heads. Falling out of the nest is a natural part of their development, and their parents continue to provide regular feeding even when they are grounded.
To navigate these situations, it's recommended to refer to an informative infographic like the 'Found a baby bird?' resource provided by BirdLife Malta. This resource assists in identifying the appropriate actions to take when encountering a baby bird. For further details, visit birdlifemalta.org/information/found-bird/.
By understanding the unique needs of young birds during the fledging season, we can ensure their well-being and support their natural development.