If the bird’s nest has fallen down, the nest can sometimes be put back in place. A substitute nest can also be made from a berry basket or an empty, clean margarine tub with several holes punched in the bottom for drainage. The container needs to be wired in the location of the original nest and lined with some of the original nest material or dry grass if the nesting material has been lost. Once returned to the nest, the nestling should be watched or checked from a distance every 30 minutes to make sure his parents have returned. Be sure to watch from cover, preferably from inside your house, to avoid scaring the parents.

Fledgling songbirds are fully feathered. They leave the nest before they are able to fly and spend several days learning to fly on the ground. They are especially vulnerable to predator attacks at this time, but the parents continue to feed and defend their young bird during this stage. Parent birds may only stop for seconds before leaving to forage for more food. If you feel a fledgling bird you have found is in immediate danger, placing it in a bush or on a low tree branch will get it out of harm's way.

If you have any questions about orphaned birds contact your veterinarian or many areas have wildlife rehabilitation centers that would love to help with any problems that you may encounter when dealing with baby birds.