Birding/Wren Fledgling

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Expert: - 6/17/2010


Question
My cat found a wrens nest and killed all but one baby, who I've been raising for one week. Is it too early to release the fledgling? I have taken it outside to see if it can feed itself and it does peck at the ground and tree bark but will come back to me begging to be fed. I'm afraid if I keep it too long it will never be able to survive on its on.

Answer
If it is a fledgling, release it immediately and refrain from feeding it. It is learning to eat on its own. If you keep feeding it, it will never make it alone. I know you are concerned, but that is the best thing to do. Nature almost always knows best.

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Roger 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 over forty years as a professional ornithologist - research, teaching, author, speaker, webmaster of Ornithology.com . Have written thirty scientific papers, three bird field guides, a textbook in ecology and two recent books entitled "Amazing Birds" and "Birds of New England". Have traveled to over 90 countries watching birds.

Education/Credentials
PhD in Zoology/Ornithology; Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences; former Dean of the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, Chico

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