Have you ever stumbled upon a tiny baby bird on the ground and wondered, “Should I do something?” You’re not alone! During spring and summer here in California, young birds are everywhere—many of them just taking their first leap from the nest. And while our instincts often tell us to step in and help, the truth is, not all baby birds need rescuing. At The Los Gatos Birdwatcher, we get this question all the time: “I found a baby bird—what do I do?” The answer depends on a few key details, and we’re here to guide you through it.
First Things First: Is It a Nestling or a Fledgling?
Before you take action, take a moment to observe. There are two main types of baby birds you might find: nestlings and fledglings—and they need very different things. Nestlings may need help. These are very young birds that haven’t yet developed feathers or the ability to hop around. Look for: bare skin or only a few tufts of feathers, eyes closed or barely open, lying on the ground, clearly out of the nest.
What to do: If you find a nestling, it’s too young to survive on its own. Look for a nest nearby—often within a few feet. If you can safely reach it, gently place the bird back. The myth that mother birds abandon their babies after being touched by humans? Totally false. Birds have a very limited sense of smell and will not reject their young. Returning a baby to its nest is always the best first step.
Fledglings do NOT need help. Fledglings are young birds that have left the nest and are learning to fly. It may look like they’re in trouble, but they’re right where they’re supposed to be! Look for: fully feathered body, bright eyes, alert, maybe hopping or fluttering, hanging out on the ground, near shrubs or trees
What to do: Let them be. These birds are exploring and building their flying muscles. Their parents are nearby, still feeding and watching over them. Unless the bird is clearly injured or in danger, it’s best not to interfere.
When to Step In: Sometimes a bird does need human help. Here’s when to intervene. It’s injured (bleeding, limping, or wing dragging). It’s been attacked by a cat or dog—even if no wounds are visible. It’s cold, fluffed up, and unresponsive. It’s sitting in a high-risk area, like the middle of a road. In these situations, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Please do not attempt to feed or give water to the bird—this can do more harm than good.
Local Resources in Santa Clara County:
- Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley: (650) 340-7022
- Native Animal Rescue (Santa Cruz County): (831) 462-0726
Creating a Safe Yard for Baby Birds Want to help baby birds thrive before they even leave the nest? Here’s how:
Plant native shrubs and trees – They offer natural shelter and food.
Offer nesting materials – We carry natural options in the store.
Keep cats indoors – Outdoor cats are one of the biggest dangers to fledglings.
Provide shallow birdbaths – Parents need water to care for their young.
Avoid pesticides – Insects are baby bird food!
At The Los Gatos Birdwatcher, we’re passionate about helping our community protect and enjoy our feathered neighbors. Whether you’ve got a birding question, need a new feeder, or just want to swap bird stories, we’d love to see you. Have you rescued a baby bird before? We’d love to hear your story—come by and share it with us!