Home >> Science & Nature >> Animals & Science

How Do I Release a Fledgling Bird?

Altricial (dependent on their parents) birds have three phases of development: hatchlings have just emerged from the egg, eyes closed and fuzzy; nestling have opened their eyes and have some feather growth; and fledglings have feathers and spend their time hopping, exploring outside the nest and learning to fly. Every spring and summer, fledglings are mistakenly brought into wildlife rehabilitation facilities because people don't realize a fledgling belongs on the ground. Generally, a fledgling's parents still feed and protect it. However, sometimes a fledgling may have injuries or has lost its parents in which case a wildlife rehabilitator intervenes.

Things You'll Need

Branches, rocks and other natural items
Natural bird food, insects, seeds, fruits, small rodents or fish
Outdoor enclosure

Instructions

- 1
  Introduce nature to the fledgling bird's enclosure. Provide branches, rocks, a shallow water dish and beach sand, if the bird is a wader. The enclosure must provide room for the bird to exercise its wings and fly at least a short distance.
- 2
  Introduce the bird to the foods it will eat in the wild such as local insects, fruits, seeds, rodents or fish.
- 3
  Leave food in the bird's enclosure at all times and reduce hand-feeding until the bird learns to eat on its own, with songbirds, seabirds and doves.
- 4
  Perform a "soft release" once the bird is self-feeding, fully feathered and is no longer begging you for food. According to "Principles of Wildlife Rehabilitation" by the the National Wildlife Rehabilitator's Association, "soft release" means opening the cage door so the bird can leave when it is ready, but the bird will still have open-door access to its cage, food and water. Generally, the bird will come back for food and water for a few days to 2 weeks. Once you have not seen the bird for several days, assume it is fully fledged and wild.

Animals & Science