I have been receiving over forty calls per day, mostly about fledglings.
When birds fledge, they spend a few days on the ground running around since they are not sure what to do with their feet and wings. The parents stay close by to feed and watch over them. Many callers catch the birds and want me to come and pick them up.
For the bird, that is usually the worst action to take. It doesn’t need assistance. It needs time and patience in order to be comfortable both on the ground and in the air. The young bird is easily stressed. Chasing it increases stress for the bird and the person doing the chasing.
The best action is to let it be. The young bird’s parents are watching it. They have not left. If you have pets, keep them away from the young bird. If necessary or you feel the need to catch it, put the bird in a box overnight to protect it from predators. In the morning, let it go so that the parents may continue to oversee its actions. Repeat this process the next night if the bird is still vulnerable.
When birds fledge, people can be helpful by acting as its parents do. Sit back, watch, and only interfere if the young bird is in danger. Please tell this to your friends, too.
Thank you for caring about the critters,
Patti