AboutRoger Lederer Expertise Any and all about wild birds - the science of ornithology. Information about birdwatching, ecology, conservation, migration, behavior, banding, rehabilitation, feeding, songs, binoculars, identification, and careers in ornithology. No questions about pet or caged birds, please.
Experience Have a PhD and thirty five years as a professional ornithologist - research, teaching, author, speaker, webmaster of Ornithology.com . Have written thirty scientific papers, two bird field guides, a textbook in ecology and two recent books entitled "Amazing Birds" and "Birds of New England". Have traveled to over 80 countries watching birds.
Expert: Roger Lederer Date: 7/31/2008 Subject: Injured Fledgling (Crow)
Question There is a fledgling outside of my office. He has been there for 4 days and has a broken / twisted leg. The parents have been around feeding him constantly, but am concerned that he is vulnerable to cats etc. I understand the development process, but am wondering if I should intervene since the leg is broken (otherwise seems alert and healthy). Want to give it the best chance for survival. Thoughts?
Answer If it actually has a broken leg, the only thing to do is bring it to a wildlife rehab center or vet. If the leg is deformed, it may grow out of it (sometimes vitamin deficiencies do that in young birds). But if he can fly (or will shortly after its feathers grow longer) he is better off left alone. Nature usually knows best.
