SPRING IS HERE
Spring is the nesting season for many of our native birds. Once the chicks leave the nest they become known as fledglings and are concentrating on learning how to fly.
Scrub Turkey chick
Under the watchful eyes of their parents they take their first steps and flutters on the road to independence. Unfortunately some people assume the fledglings are in distress and need help, and decide to “rescue” them. Although well meaning, this is not usually in the best interests of the bird.
What you can do….
Watch the young bird for a while and see if the parents come back to feed it. If they do, leave it alone. If the bird is a really young chick with down (instead of feathers), you could try to put it back in the nest. If the bird has fallen out of the nest and is lying on the ground, pick it up and place it on a branch out of reach of cats. You could also try making a nest from an ice-cream container with holes in the bottom or alternatively ready made buckets are available from the Dayboro Vet. The ‘nest’ should then be secured in the tree with the chick inside. It is always better for the young to be raised by their natural parents, rather than by a human carer. If you would like further information on what you should do if you find a young bird contact your local vet or Queensland Wildlife and Parks Service on 1300 654 721
Interesting Fact….
Some chicks, such as Scrub Turkeys, are “on their own” the moment they hatch out of the egg. They are rapidly forced to become completely independent as their parents make no effort to protect them whatsoever. Not only do they soon learn how to feed themselves, they also exhibit true bursts of speed and instinctively understand how to use their natural camouflage to hide from predators.
What you can do….
Watch the young bird for a while and see if the parents come back to feed it. If they do, leave it alone. If the bird is a really young chick with down (instead of feathers), you could try to put it back in the nest. If the bird has fallen out of the nest and is lying on the ground, pick it up and place it on a branch out of reach of cats. You could also try making a nest from an ice-cream container with holes in the bottom or alternatively ready made buckets are available from the Dayboro Vet. The ‘nest’ should then be secured in the tree with the chick inside. It is always better for the young to be raised by their natural parents, rather than by a human carer. If you would like further information on what you should do if you find a young bird contact your local vet or Queensland Wildlife and Parks Service on 1300 654 721
Interesting Fact….
Some chicks, such as Scrub Turkeys, are “on their own” the moment they hatch out of the egg. They are rapidly forced to become completely independent as their parents make no effort to protect them whatsoever. Not only do they soon learn how to feed themselves, they also exhibit true bursts of speed and instinctively understand how to use their natural camouflage to hide from predators.
