Expert: Roger Lederer - 6/16/2006

Question
momma robin is feeding her second brood of four ~10 day old babies inside on a garage rafter. they are large, about 5 inches from beak to tail end, and one has fallen out. it seems to fly a bit to get from other rafters to other high points in the garage. since momma doesn't allow me to watch feedings without much distress, i don't know if this one is being fed. do you suspect the mother will stop on a rafter to feed the missing one? i have no intentions of interfering, but will take down the nest after this group fledges. have already brought 3 successful adults into the world witht he first brood.  

Answer
What to do with a baby bird that fell out of its nest or that you found. This is a generic answer to your question as I receive many many similar questions this time of year. Baby birds do not usually fall from their nest; they jump. As the young birds grow the nest gets crowded, so they leave before they are capable of flying. This is normal. The BEST thing to do with baby birds is leave them where they are as their parents are likely nearby taking care of the youngster. Do not attempt to put it back in its nest or raise it yourself. They are VERY hard to raise if you have no experience. If you feel you MUST do something to help a baby bird, call your local wildlife office, department of the environment, fish and game or extension office. There may be a licensed rehabilitator in your area or someone who knows how to care for young birds. That said, if you must try to care for the bird yourself, go to www.ornithology.com/rehab.html for links to information on caring for birds and for rehabilitation facilities.Roger Lederer