Wildlife in Greene County

What to do with "Orphaned" Spring Baby Wildlife

by Naturalist Mel Grosvenor

    Help!  A baby bird fell out of its nest, there’s a fawn all alone in my garden, there’s a cute, baby bunny that must have lost its mother!  What should be done?  In most cases, the best answer is absolutely nothing.  While it may seem like these are helpless orphans, most of the time their parents are foraging for food nearby.  It is very rare for wild animals to abandon their young.  Often a young animal may be mistaken for an orphan because it looks too small to be independent even though it truly is ready to be on its own.  Knowing a little bit about the animals common to backyards can help you to understand their needs.

     Around most homes, you will find at least one bird nest.  If the nest blows out of its location, try to put it back.  If the nest was destroyed and it had eggs or babies, you can make a replacement nest by lining a small, round plastic container with soft material like dry grass, feathers, or bits of cloth.  Try to put it as close as possible to its original location.  Contrary to popular belief, if you handle the nest or its contents the parents will not abandon it because it has your scent.  Overall birds have a rather poor sense of smell.  However, try not to handle young birds excessively as the stress may affect them. 

     A baby bird that is just learning to fly is called a fledgling.   If you attempt to place them back in the nest, they are likely to fly out again anyway.  Their parents will find them and continue to feed and protect them until they become stronger flyers.  Keeping cats indoors is very important at this stage.

     A fawn in your yard or garden was led there by its mother.  She is usually nearby and will come back at the end of the day.  Observe the fawn at a distance and leave it alone.  Keep dogs confined until the fawn has moved on.

     If you find a nest of Cottontail Rabbits and there is no sign of a mother she is most likely nearby.  She will only come to the nest to feed her young at night. When Cottontail Rabbits leave their nest they are only three weeks old.  If the rabbit has its eyes open and its ears standing up, it is self sufficient.  Again keeping pets confined is the biggest help for these young animals.

     Spring is a wonderful time to be outside watching the wildlife in your backyard.  Enjoy watching nests and young animals from a distance and remember that their parents know how to care for them better than anyone.  For more information contact the Greene County Parks naturalist staff at 937-429-9590.

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