Expert: Roger Lederer - 7/4/2009

Question
How do I take care of this bird?  It may have fallen out of the tree onto my lawn.?  I don't see any type of nest in that tree.  Two adult Cardinals were flying around the tree wildly - this is what got my attention.  There was a stray cat near the baby bird.  I have the bird in a box top in my kitchen.  It doesn't seem to be able to fly, but keeps fluttering its wings.  It has taken in some water- but nothing else, even though I have put some bread crumbs in the box top.  HELP - SHOULD I PUT IT BACK OUTSIDE AND HOPE THAT ITS MOTHER WILL COME BACK?

Answer
It appears that the young bird JUMPED out of its nest, as they normally do when they are ready even though they can't fly. Parents will take cre of them, so put it outside right away. It will die on a diet of bread crumbs. Thanks for your concern, but please release it immediately.