If you find a baby bird

Birds can appear to be orphaned when in fact they are just learning to fly. People think they've been orphaned when they find them on the ground, but in fact they are just learning the ropes under the watchful eye of their parents. Birds can take up to two weeks to learn to fly properly once they have left the nest.They'll often hop around the ground for quite a while. Their parents almost always are nearby keeping a close eye on them.

If you think the fledgling may be in danger, it should be put in a safe place off the ground, ideally in a tree or shrub.

Most importantly KEEP YOUR PETS AWAY.

The most ideal situation is to return the bird to its nest. Birds will start calling for their parents, so it is important to keep them close to where you found it. Once the parents feel the danger (you) has left, they will reunite with their little one.

If you can’t reach or find the bird’s nest, then you can make a temporary one. Use a shallow bucket or ice-cream container with plenty of holes in the bottom for drainage incase it rains.Put a layer of soft leaves of grass in it. Place a stick in the bucket so the parents and baby bird can climb in and out. Ensure the temporary nest is out of direct sunlight and as close as possible to where you found the feathered baby. Try to make it secure as possible, so the nest doesn’t fall.

If the baby bird seems injured, or if its parents do not return after a few hours, then you should take it to your nearest licensed wildlife carer or vet.

If the bird has broken limbs, bones sticking through the skin, limbs missing or any other obvious serious injuries it is kinder to put it out of its misery straight away. Blunt force trauma to the head is acceptable. If you are unable to euthanize it, pick up the bird using a towel. Be very cautious of beaks and talons. Put it in a warm and dark, well-ventilated box and transport it to your vet or licensed wildlife carer. Put a tea towel or something on the bottom of the box to prevent the bird slipping around.

How to care for the bird before finding a carer

• Avoid a lot of noise during transport as the journey will be frightening enough.

• Do not attempt to feed the bird.

• Whatever you do, do not be tempted to keep a native baby bird as a pet.

• Parents will not abandon a baby bird if it has been touched by humans, it’s a myth.

• Birds do not eat milk or bread.

• If you are a long way from assistance offer the bird some water.

• Do not put the water in its beak.

Find a carer near you

Broome: Jan Martin - Kimberley Wildlife Rehabilitation Inc. Ph: 0428860014

Derby: Heidi Sampey – Derby Native Wildlife Inc. Ph: 0407423006

Derby: Andy Smyth – Derby Native Wildlife Inc. Ph: 0492813

Fitzroy Crossing: Tamela Vestergaard – Wild Life West Inc. Ph: 0428247276

Kununnura: Mandy Watson – Kangaroo Haven Inc. Ph: 0438921942

Western Australia Wildcare Helpline for all other areas. Ph: 0894749055