Each spring, hundreds of baby birds come into care at Bird Rescue. Human-wildlife conflicts are the primary causes of these admissions. As urban development continues, suitable nesting habitat decreases, bringing people and baby birds into contact. Adopt-A-Bird
Between our two California wildlife centers, this May we have over 200 ducklings already in care, including the little one pictured here that came in contaminated with super glue! Our team was able to remove enough of the glue to give the duckling full range of movement. To avoid putting the duckling through the stress of a rigorous wash process, we will wait for this patient to molt the contaminated down fluff naturally as its new feathers grow in over the coming weeks.
You can help protect baby birds in a variety of ways this season! Here are a few of our top suggestions:
- Wait to trim your trees until nesting season is over (October – November)
- If you see baby birds, give them space! Sometimes parents are nearby but are frightened of humans
- Keep natural areas free from litter
- Know when to rescue a baby bird, and when not to – Read some great tips from Audubon here.
- Support your local wildlife rehabilitation organizations
If you would like to support Bird Rescue during baby bird season this year, consider symbolically adopting a duckling! Your donation will go a long way towards helping our orphaned patients grow up strong and healthy, and eventually return to the wild. Duckling adoptions can make a great birthday present or Mother’s Day gift too!
