KIRTLAND'S WARBLER FOR STATE BIRD?

If you love the uniqueness and beauty of Michigan's rarest warbler, consider supporting a change to the Michigan State Bird.

Members of the Kirtland's Warbler Alliance and volunteers met with various members of the Michigan House of Representatives on April 19 to talk about Kirtland's Warbler conservation efforts. They'll be going back to Lansing soon to talk to members of the Senate

If you live in Michigan, they would love it if you could drop your legislator a line to let them know that you support HB 4229, legislation that would make the Kirtland's Warbler Michigan's State Bird. If you need help identifying your legislator, email director@kirtlandswarbler.org and they can help you find your district, the name of your legislator and their contact information.

What To Do If You Find A Baby Bird

I found a baby bird. What should I do?”

This may be the most frequently asked bird-related question in spring and early summer. So what is the answer?

If the baby bird is fully feathered and hopping around, it is probably a fledgling. This means the bird has recently left the nest and probably can’t fly well, but is almost certainly doing just fine with parents close by. Please don’t intervene! Watch from a distance and you will likely see the parents come in to feed and care for the youngster.

If the baby bird has little to no feathers and is not capable of moving about, it may be a nestling that has fallen from the nest. In this case, you may gently place the bird back in its nest, which should be nearby. The parents will return

If the baby bird is sick, injured, or orphaned (and you have observed the situation to be certain that this is the case), get in touch with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area. (Search online or download the app - Animal Help Now to find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area.)

If the baby bird has been in contact with a pet, like a dog or a cat, contact a wildlife rehabilitator. Domestic animals can carry bacteria in their mouths that can kill the baby bird, even if it seems to be doing ok.

Just remember: In most cases, the baby bird you’ve encountered is perfectly healthy and under the watchful eye of caring parents. Please leave it alone!