NGO SEO/BirdLife launched a public awareness campaign this week to inform people what to do if they encounter a fallen or distressed baby bird. With summer heat increasing, the message emphasizes calm and correct action when a vulnerable chick is found on the ground rather than rushing to intervene.
The conservation group cautions that the impulse to help immediately can actually harm the birds. Falling from the nest is often part of the learning process as fledglings grow and gradually leave the nest according to their natural development. They tend to navigate a rapid growth phase while still following parental patterns that prioritize safety and self-feeding during early independence.
For example, a sparrow might depart the nest before two weeks of age because the nest remains a high-risk zone for predators. Even when fledglings cannot yet fly well, leaving the nest can be the safer option. If the chick is in a secure setting, observers are advised to monitor rather than intervene. During this period, parents may still be nearby and actively feeding them, making it easy to misinterpret a need for human help as a rescue opportunity.
Swallows, blackbirds, and terns also develop quickly. Once their feathers are fully formed, the situation is often normal and no human intervention is required, according to the organization’s guidance.
Some birds that spend most of their lives in flight are not suited to perching on the ground or being handled. If a chick is found in a safe location, it should be left alone. If it is clearly unable to fly away, placing it higher in an open area with no direct contact is recommended. If a chick appears strong and capable of flight, it should be allowed to take off on its own. In the event a chick cannot fly and is in immediate danger, contacting a wildlife rescue center or relevant environmental authorities is advised.
In instances where baby birds have fallen from the nest or find themselves in a hazardous spot, the guidance is to seek help from wildlife rescue services or environmental authorities, such as forestry agencies, or the appropriate national hotlines for wildlife support.
Often the best course is to observe and refrain from interference. This includes avoiding feeding the bird unsuitable foods such as cookies, bread, or milk, which can be harmful. Avoid getting the bird’s beak wet, which can interfere with breathing, and refrain from handling the chick excessively, as this can damage its feathers and overall development.
Basic steps if a chick is found on the ground
- Do not feed chicks with milk, cookies, or breadcrumbs. They require a protein-rich diet to develop properly, and milk can be dangerous.
- Avoid wetting the chick’s nostrils or mouth. Water can cause respiratory problems or lead to a slow, painful death.
- Do not grasp or handle the bird with bare hands. Excessive contact can harm feathers and impede future mobility.
- The best temporary place is a dark, vented box with a bottom lined by absorbent paper, kept in a quiet area until professional help can be sought.
For more information, individuals are encouraged to consult local wildlife rescue centers and official environmental authorities. The guidance centers on reducing human intervention and allowing natural processes to proceed where possible. It is important to follow local wildlife rescue protocols and avoid creating unnecessary risks for the birds.
Note: Contact details for the environment department and rescue resources have been omitted here for privacy and safety considerations. Anyone who encounters a distressed chick should seek guidance from verified wildlife authorities in their region.