Expert: Roger Lederer - 7/9/2008

Question
July 2nd  I found a baby robin with feathers, almost a fledging under the crab apple tree with mom nearby. For 2 days I watched it and saw mom at her side feeding all day long and dad nearby. I called wildlife and was told to put it back in a nest. The robin nest was way high so I put it quickly in an older nest lower branch. Mom and dad quickly found the baby. (There are no other babies.)My question: The baby looked healthy but wasn't hopping about. It didn't look to be in pain and it kept it's legs tucked under when I picked it up. It's still in the nest and both parents contend to it all day long. If it's a leg or wing issue will it leave the nest? I've been reading other web sites and if I find it on the ground again I'll observe it or take it to a rehab place if need be. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!

Answer
The best thing to do is leave it alone. Baby robins leave the nest before thye can fly and the parents feed them on the ground until they can. They rarely fall out of the nest; they jump. The wildlife person you talked to was wrong. Do not put it back in a nest. Just leave it be and nature will take care of things. Thanks for your concern.