What Do You Do If You Find A Baby Bird On The Ground In Utah? Depends
Maybe you have heard my talking on the radio about the “Eagle Cam” from Big Bear Lake down in California. It's been fascinating to watch Jackie, the mom eagle, endure a somewhat harsh winter to protect her eggs, and then watch those three eggs hatch to three eaglets into the world. Sadly, one of those did not survive and now Jackie and companion Shadow are nurturing the two survivors. One of them is already starting to act like a teenager.
Well, Big Bear Lake isn't the only place where new avian life is coming to life. A lot of that is happening right here in Utah. While it’s common to come across young birds on the ground this time of year, knowing how to handle these encounters is important. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) offers guidance on what to do if you find a baby bird.
Understanding Why Baby Birds Are on the Ground
Many baby birds leave the nest before they can fly, a normal stage of development. Some may also be displaced by spring storms. “Baby birds usually chirp and call from the nest, waiting for their parents to bring food to them — and sometimes they get excited or agitated, which results in them falling from their perch,” the DWR noted in a press release.
Robins and swallows are the most commonly found baby birds in Utah. If you discover a young bird on the ground, your next steps depend on whether it has feathers.
Helping a Featherless Nestling
If the baby bird is small and lacks feathers, try to return it to its nest. If the nest isn’t visible, place the bird on a branch safely away from predators. “The baby will squawk, and its parents will find it,” the DWR explained. Unlike other wildlife, birds do not have a strong sense of smell, so handling the baby won’t cause the parents to reject it.
However, it is illegal to take a baby bird home. State and federal laws prohibit possessing wild birds without permits.
What to Do If You Find a Fledgling
Fledglings, or young birds with most of their feathers, are nearly ready to fly. If you see one hopping around, it’s best to leave it alone. This stage typically lasts a few days while the parents continue to feed and monitor their young. If the fledgling is in danger, move it to a nearby safe location, but otherwise, let nature take its course.
Why You Shouldn’t Feed Baby Birds
Feeding a baby bird can be harmful, as different species require specific diets. “While robins and some bird species can safely eat worms, others can’t,” the DWR cautioned. It’s best to let the parents provide the proper nutrition.
Moving or disturbing an active bird nest is illegal if it contains eggs or baby birds. Homeowners can take preventative measures before nesting season, but once a nest is in use, it must remain undisturbed until the chicks leave.
What About Baby Ducks?
If you find a lone duckling, resist the urge to move it or place it in water. Unless it’s in immediate danger—such as being trapped in a storm drain—ducklings should be left alone. If assistance is needed, contact a local DWR office or city officials.
Staying Aware of Avian Flu
Songbirds are generally not affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza. However, regular cleaning of bird feeders and baths is recommended, especially for those with backyard poultry. If you notice five or more dead birds in an area, report it to the DWR and avoid handling them.
For more information on handling wildlife encounters, visit the Wild Aware Utah website.
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Gallery Credit: Stacker