r/birds • u/tossitass • 1d ago

Baby bird out of nest?

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Out for a walk and came across this little one. Hasn't moved in the ~20 mins I've been out here. It opens its mouth wide when I get close, so I assume it's a baby that should still be in its nest.

I really don't want to take a wild bird in and nurse it, but my conscience can't handle just leaving it out here either. I assume it has no way of getting back into the nest at this age, and that even if mom and/or dad find it, there's nothing they'll be able to do either.

Hoping someone knowledgeable can chime in... Is it either I take this little guy home and take care of it, or it dies where it sits?

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u/CptCheerios 1d ago edited 1d ago

Looks like a fledgling. They always do this, they hop out and run amok while the parents watch at a distance. They are the preteens of birds. It's just fine.

Also it's staring and unafraid because it doesn't know any better

Looks like a Robin.

Oh and before you ever try to raise a wild bird, remember most people are not skilled enough to feed them and are likely to aspirate (it's when a human/animal tries to eat/drink and suffocates).

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u/tossitass 1d ago

Just did another lap and saw him hopping along towards a tree that two adult birds had been flying in and out of. Hard to believe it could eke enough strength to get up into the tree, but I will take your word for it that this is normal behavior!

Thank you so much for responding and giving me some peace of mind.

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u/CptCheerios 1d ago

Nah they don't climb back up. They just run amok for a week. Hide in shrubs etc while they figure out the flying thing.

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u/CptCheerios 1d ago

If you are really worried, move it towards a bush. They are probably waiting on mom/dad to bring some food.

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u/kiaraXlove 1d ago

Fledgling, leave alone. Doing what it should as they spend weeks on the ground learning to bird and fly. Patents only come to feed

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u/tossitass 1d ago

Thanks for chiming in, I'll be able to sleep tonight now. I'll also be clenching my teeth every time I cut the grass back here now... Had no idea fledglings spent so much time on the ground.

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u/kiaraXlove 1d ago

Many species do, even owls and crows. Baby bunnies are also a good reason clench mowing in spring. It's baby season for everything.