Spring has sprung, and so have the baby birds.
This means you may be finding a lot more feathered friends around, but when is it necessary to intervene with Mother Nature?
Here is some terminology to help you decide…
Nestling is the stage when a bird that is too young to leave its nest. Usually these babies are naked with little feathers or fluff.
Fledging is the stage in a bird’s life between hatching and becoming capable of flight. This stage is when baby birds jump willingly out of the nest to teach themselves how to fly.
Juvenile is a baby bird who has learnt how to fly (almost proficiently) but does not have the full adult plumage yet.
Avian mothers have a very specific way of teaching and caring for their young, and while it may seem cruel to us being “kicked out the nest” is natural for the youngsters to learn to fend for themselves.
If you are planning on clearing out your garden areas- like clipping bushes and tree-felling- then please remember to check the bush/tree for any nests before removing it from your yard. Baby birds fledge (leave the nest) in a matter of weeks and then it would be safe to continue with your yard renovations.
If you are unsure whether to intervene with a wildlife baby, please phone FreeMe Wildlife before picking them up and we can help you to make the correct decision on 033 330 3036.
News supplied by FreeMe.