As I watch a pair of birds building a nest under our eaves in our decorative hanging basket adorned with potted fuchsia, I am reminded that during the spring season, we must take precautions for nesting birds and fledgling birds that may be lurking in our backyards.
One of nature’s beauties is watching the birth and growth of animals. This is true of nesting birds and the fledgling birds that hatch from their eggs. Both parents participate, as the mother goes searching for food and the father watches over.
The nesting birds chose a location adjacent to our back door with no way for us to avoid watching the mother bird as she sat waiting for her eggs to hatch. The back door is the only access to our garage and our barbecue. We found it interesting that during the day, if we came out, the mother bird would fly off, but if we were using our outdoor grill in the evening, she would remain in her nest. Perhaps we looked less threatening after dark.
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Nesting Birds Tips
Here are some helpful hints to keep in mind if you see birds building or perched in a nest. First, it is a good idea to avoid trimming trees or bushes in the area of the nest. Actually, it is better to prune trees when they are dormant, which is usually from November through January.
Do not disturb or destroy a nest because it stresses adult birds, who often abandon the site. If this happens while the chicks are still in the nest, they will likely starve.
If you accidentally disturb a nest, leave the vicinity immediately so the parents can get back to it quickly. The longer the adult birds are away from the nest, the more vulnerable their young become.
Try to stay away from the area while the birds are nesting. If a nest is exposed, it should be recovered so it appears undisturbed to the birds and is protected.
The Fledgling
All birds learn to fly from the ground and not from the nest. For this reason, the young birds come out of the nest and down to the ground. You will see them hopping around and extending their wings while their parents continue to feed them.
These baby birds are typically fully feathered and alert, holding both wings to the body, which is why the term “fledgling” describes them at this stage in their lives. If you see a bird on the ground with Downy feathers on its head, don’t be alarmed; the bird is most likely a healthy fledgling.
Most importantly, when you see a healthy bird, do not disturb it. This phenomenon is all part of Mother Nature’s process. Human hands can cause parents to stop providing food and education to their young children. We do not want to hamper these birds’ learning to sing, fend for themselves, ward off predators, and migrate, as it is all part of the circle of life.
Please remember to keep your pets away from the area at this stage of the baby bird’s development. The less we intervene, the better. Let nature take its course.
I know I enjoyed watching these birds grow up as I quietly stole peeks when their parents were not around. Both my husband and I were fascinated to observe when the mother bird allowed us to pass by, thereby permitting us to take glimpses at nature at its best.
If you find a bird that is hurt or in need of assistance, contact the California Wildlife Center.