Fledglings Abound

reminders about finding baby birds

Just recently I received a Facebook notification about a relative that graduated and was ready to enter the next stage of their life. It occurred to me that maybe we have synchronized our education calendars with the natural cycle of bird calendars. That is to say that when we are watching our children fledge in late spring or early summer, so too are the birds in our backyards. In a way, when we become empty nesters so do our feathered friends.

The definition of a fledgling is someone who is inexperienced, immature or underdeveloped. In the bird world, all of these terms apply, and it is the time between hatching and being able to fly.

By now, many of you have probably already seen fledglings in your yards. Some will be in your nesting boxes, some on open nests hidden in bushes and evergreens and some perhaps peeking out from holes in the trees or perhaps even some on the ground.

If you’ve been monitoring your birds’ nesting activities and doing nest checks, then the following guidelines might help you understand how long the fledgling stage is for the most common birds in our backyard so you know when to expect them to leave the nest. Carolina Wren, 12 to 14 days. House Wren, 12 to 18 days. Eastern Bluebird, 15 to 18 days. Robin, 14 to 16 days. Black-capped Chickadee, 16 days. Goldfinch, 11 to 17 days. Cardinal, 9 to 11 days. Downy woodpecker 20 to 22 days.

The most frequent question we get this time of year is what do when you find a bird on the ground which appears to be a fledgling and not flying. The short answer, in most cases, is do nothing.

Many birds will push their fledglings out of the nest to encourage them to be more independent and forage for their own food. That probably sounds a little too close to home for some of us who have had the same conversation with at least one of our children, right? As this encouragement is normal bird behavior, finding a fledgling on the ground isn’t that unusual. That said, what are some do’s and don’ts if you do see a fledgling on the ground?

Since you’ve already noticed the fledgling on the ground, you’re quite observant and likely have a caring heart that wants to lend a hand. Without getting too close to make the bird nervous, look to see if the bird has feathers, if it does, it’ll probably be fine. If it doesn’t, then the chances of survival are small and you should call your local rehabilitator for counsel. If it does have feathers, observe more closely for signs of injury like blood, broken bones, wings not held closely to the body. If you see any of these, call your local rehabilitator.

Next, from a distance of 20 to 30 feet, look around for the parents. They’re usually nearby in a tree or bush or some other vantage point to keep an eye on their young one. If you see them, that’s a good sign the fledgling hasn’t been abandoned but rather is in training and is being given “tough love.” If you continue to watch the parents long enough, you’ll see them come down and check on the fledgling or maybe even feed them or attempt to entice them into the trees.

It is not unusual for fledglings to spend time on the ground for 1 to 2 weeks and take short flights. So check on the fledgling every few days to ensure they’re still safe. If you believe the fledgling is in danger from feral or roaming cats or if you see predatory birds, gently pick them up and place them on a low branch.

A few other don’ts are feeding and providing water and placing the fledgling in a nearby nest. While the urge is strong to provide food and water, let the fledgling find its own or let the parents do so. Moving the fledgling to another area and especially a nest could actually expose it to predators and work against your best intentions.

The most important thing to do, is to continue to watch all of the amazing behaviors of your birds in your backyard and enjoy the anticipation of knowing that soon, some these fledglings will be visiting your bird feeders and birdbaths.

black-capped chickadee

northern cardinal

bluejay

NIK HIREMATH Birding Expert

Local birding experts Nik and Theresa Hiremath own and operate Wild Birds Unlimited of Leawood at 11711 Roe Avenue, Leawood, Kansas. Contact them at 913-491-4887.