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Message: <blockquote data-quote="jmepler" data-source="post: 1700641" data-attributes="member: 59160">Neil, I don't see a statement from Alex about what is best for everything and everybody.  He has stated that in most cases birds are better off if just left alone and I agree completely with that statement.How many threads are started in the spring by a new member asking for help for the "abandon baby bird" that they found and are currently holding in a shoe-box after "rescuing it"?  These posters are certainly all well meaning aren't they?  But these people, no matter what their intentions were, have reduced that fledgling's chance of survival, even if it is taken to a rehabber.How is a person that does not even know what type of bird they are dealing with supposed to exercise good judgment as to what help, if any, that bird needs?I am not opposed to offering a bird a quiet place to rest after a minor trauma such as a window strike.  But, in general, I am in the "let nature take it's course" camp.  If a bird dies, it's body goes to nourish others so that they may live.As far as the law goes, it is unambiguous, you may not posses a bird that is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act for any reason.  There are no provisions for good intentions.  As it has been said before, the chances of being prosecuted for taking in an injured bird are exceedingly small.  I still wouldn't make a habit of admitting to violating federal law on a public forum.Mike</blockquote>

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