Fledgling Birds: Why You Should Leave Them Be

As spring and summer roll in, you may come across a young bird hopping around your yard, seemingly helpless and out of its nest. It’s natural to want to help, but in most cases, fledgling birds are exactly where they need to be. These young birds haven’t fallen out of their nests by accident—they are in the process of learning how to fly and survive on their own.

Here’s why it’s important to leave fledgling birds alone and let nature take its course:

What Is a Fledgling?

A fledgling is a young bird that has left the nest but hasn’t yet mastered the art of flying. At this stage, fledglings may appear vulnerable, as they are often seen hopping on the ground or perched low in bushes. However, this is a natural and critical part of their development. While fledglings may not be able to fly well, they are still being cared for by their parents, who are usually nearby, watching over them and bringing them food.

Why Fledglings Don’t Need Your Help

1. They’re Learning to Fly
   Fledglings need time to strengthen their wings and practice flying. Hopping on the ground and making short flights are all part of this learning process. Moving them back to the nest or attempting to "rescue" them can interrupt this important stage and potentially harm their development.

2. Parents Are Watching Nearby
   Although fledglings may appear abandoned, their parents are likely close by, keeping an eye on them. Adult birds will continue to feed and protect their young, even after they’ve left the nest. If you interfere by moving the fledgling, you could inadvertently separate it from its parents.

3. Fledglings Are Safer Than They Seem
   While fledglings on the ground might seem more vulnerable to predators, they are usually safer than you think. Their parents will alert them to danger and help them find cover. In fact, fledglings often hide in dense vegetation, which provides some protection.

What You Can Do to Help

While fledglings don’t need to be rescued, there are a few things you can do to make sure they stay safe:

• Keep Pets Indoors: Cats and dogs are a major threat to fledgling birds. Keep your pets indoors or supervise them closely when outside to reduce the risk of harm to young birds.

• Observe from a Distance: If you spot a fledgling, resist the urge to touch or move it. Simply watch from a distance to ensure the bird is safe and that its parents are nearby.

• Move It Only If Absolutely Necessary: If the fledgling is in immediate danger, such as being in the middle of a busy road or near predators, you can gently move it to a safer, nearby location (such as under a bush) within the same area. But remember, don’t take it too far from where you found it.

When to Intervene

In rare cases, intervention may be necessary. If you find a bird that is visibly injured, such as one with a broken wing, or if it is a nestling (a much younger bird that doesn’t have feathers and is unable to hop or fly), it may need help. In this case, contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center for guidance.

Conclusion

Finding a fledgling bird may tug at your heartstrings, but remember—they’re not lost or abandoned. By leaving them be, you’re allowing them to complete one of the most important phases of their lives. At 10-Eleven Nuisance Wildlife Control, we understand how to balance wildlife concerns with human needs. If you ever have questions about birds or other wildlife around your property, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for advice and support!