This is more common than most people think, certainly I’d never thought of it when I lived in the city and only fed the ducks down at the lake.

At least once in a lifetime, no matter where you live, you’ll come across a baby bird orphan. Perhaps laying on the road, your lawn on even on your front porch.

At that point, you’ll have to decide if you should rescue it or leave it to fend for itself?

In most cases, and yes I do know how hard it is to walk away from a helpless animal, it is best to let nature take its course without your intervention. Of course I say this, but I don’t always do this. Usually I’ll back off and sit nearby for an hour or so just to protect the orphaned baby bird from predators should they come by.

But making that decision - should I rescue or walk away - is hard. If the baby bird is fully feathered, chances are pretty good it doesn’t need our help anyway. Each spring, baby birds leave the nest and have to learn to be adults. Their parents are often watching nearby (something I’ve learned by sitting for an hour and waiting). The wild bird parents really are best equipped to take care of the babies. The best way to help these tiny fledglings is simply to keep dogs, cats and hawks away.

On the other hand, accidents do happen. Continue Reading »

Many of the birds that visit backyard feeders and bird baths may stay and nest in nearby trees. And many of them, including cardinals, doves and orioles, won’t ever raise their young in a nesting box. However, you can still help these bird favorites to raise their young in your area by offering their favorite food choices and providing shelter requirements in your garden or yard.

Nesting materials can also be hung in a wire cage. These cages are especially popular in the spring when birds will come and choose those that are suitable for them. Try thin strips of clothing or rags, small twigs, wool, and even feathers.

There are more than two dozen birds in the USA and Canada that are happy to nest Continue Reading »