New and seeking advice (1 Viewer)

Hello,

I just joined and hope to find some helpful advice. When I came home this afternoon, my friend found a baby bird next to my driveway. It has feathers on its wings and some "fuzz" on its body, but no tail feathers. It appears too small to be on its own.

My friend and I located its nest directly above where it lay. He got a ladder and returned it to its nest. I watched from a distance as the youngster tumbled to the ground before my friend had even put the ladder away.

I sat quietly for some time and watched as the parents (I presume) fed the bird - which appears to be a Sparrow - possibly a Chipping Sparrow. It seems too young to be a fledgling. (Please see photos below.) Even if it does appear too young/undeveloped, as long as the parents continue to care for it, should I just leave it alone? It was in the NC sun, so I did move it into the shade, but it hopped back into the sun.

I once raised/released a pair of Cedar Waxwings which had no feathers when they were brought to me, so I have some experience in raising young birds. But I'd prefer to leave the job to "mom and dad" if at all possible. I just don't want to go out and find this little one dead.

I can email full size photos of the bird to anyone who's interested.

Thanks.
Cindy

Hello there and a warm welcome to you from those of us on staff here at BirdForum :t:

Yes, a fine sign and best to leave it be as long as it appears safe. The parents are not far away. This is a common occurrence during nesting season. Sometimes there's just not enough room in the nest as the chicks grow larger. The parents will feed them on the ground and this is typical when the chicks fledge. They may seem helpless but the parents are keeping an eye on them

Thanks so much for the quick reply! The parents are definitely keeping an eye on it and were feeding it, so I'm hoping it will be okay. There are no cats around and it's very close to my house, so I think it should be fairly safe from other predators. I really hope so....it's so cute.

Thanks again!
Cindy

Hello Missbess, Welcolme to Birdforum, Hope fuzz makes it!!

G'day

G'day Missbess & welcome to BF from Down Under. B

From what has been said, all should be well. I have Welcome Swallows that annually nest at the rear of my house, under a metal roof. On several occasions, you chicks have fallen from the nest, particularly during Australian heatwaves. They are cared for by the parents and on one occasion, our cat stood guard :cat: - to keep other stray cats away. It will not take long before the youngster learns to fly. o

Hi and welcome to BirdForum :t:

Welcome aboard and good luck to the little fella.

Thanks so much for the warm welcomes! What a nice group of folks.

The little one made it through the night! I was concerned he/she was cold as the sun went down yesterday, as it seemed to be shivering. I made it a small "nest" lined with dried grass. He/she remained in the nest and I'm delighted to report he/she was looking for food when I went out this morning, so I'm assuming mom and dad are continuing to look after it. I have to leave today for my home in PA, so I'm hoping it makes it.

Many thanks again for the warm welcomes.
Cindy

Hola Cindy! Welcome to Birdforum.

Hello Cindy and welcome to BirdForum.

Geoff. |=)|