It is normal for baby birds to leave the nest before they’re skilled at flying. Most of these fledglings, which are covered in down and feathers, do not need to be rescued. Parent birds follow their young after they’ve fledged, continuing to feed them and teach them. Unless a fledgling is visibly injured or sick, it’s best to leave it. Occasionally it could be necessary to move the fledgling into a nearby bush or tree if it’s in danger from traffic or outdoor cats.
Nestlings, typically naked or with a few fluffs of down, that fell or were pushed from the nest, are almost always in need of rescue. If you can find its nest, put the chick back. Parents will resume care and WILL NOT reject it after you’ve touched it – that idea is not true. If a nest cannot be found, use a small container (berry basket, box) to make a nest, securing it as high as possible in a tree close to where the nestling was found. If parents do not return within one hour, call a wildlife rehabilitation center for advice. More information can be found on the Audubon website.
Puget Sound Wildcare
(360) 886-8917
28727 216th Ave SE
Kent, WA 98042
https://www.pugetsoundwildcare.org/
Featherhaven Native Songbird Rehabilitation
Founded in 2013, Featherhaven provides quality, compassionate care, rehabilitation and release to Washington State’s sick, injured and orphaned songbirds, while educating the public about the many perils our local birds face.
PO Box 242
Enumclaw WA 98022
(253) 350-5792
www.featherhaven.org
Kelly Ward, Director
PAWS
PAWS Wildlife Center operates an emergency hospital and specialized recovery facilities designed to rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned wildlife, restore them to full health, and return them as functioning members of their wild population. The PAWS on-site rehabilitation and veterinary teams provide expert care for more than 260 species of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles. PAWS is only one of two permitted facilities in Washington State to rehabilitate American Black Bears and marine mammals, primarily Harbor Seals.
15305 – 44th Ave. W.
Lynnwood WA 98087
425-412-4040 for urgent wildlife matters
425-787-2500 Ext 817 for Wildlife Center
https://www.paws.org/
Sarvey Wildlife Care Center
PO Box 3590
Arlington WA 98223
Open 8:00 – 4:00, seven days a week.
(360) 435-4817
https://www.sarveywildlife.org/
Dead, sick, or injured swan hotline
WA Fish & Wildlife Region 4
Call (360) 466-4345, ext. 266