We’ve been talking a ton about parks lately specifically how to get there and how to act once you’ve arrived. Today I want to talk about some of the animals that call our city parks their homes. They wake us with their songs in the early morning, give us a good head start on approaching weather changes, and add that special touch to a summers day that only they can provide. I’m talking birds of course and if you haven’t noticed they have been busy recently guarding over their babies as they prepare to take their first lessons in the art of flying. It’s not as easy as it may appear and that’s why it’s not uncommon to find where a newborn bird has fallen out of the nest. But before you go rushing to handle the babies, it’s important to consider a couple of tips that just might help you decide what your first move should be.

Look for feathers! This makes all the difference in the world. If the baby doesn’t have any feathers pick it up and feel its body temp. If the newborn bird is warm chances are it will be accepted back in the nest by mom and dad, however if it’s cold the babies parents may not be able to recognize it. What do you do if the baby bird you’ve just come across does have feathers? As inhumane as it may seem the best thing to do is leave it alone. More than likely the bird has fallen from a nearby nest and now that it’s survived the plunge is attempting to learn how to fly. Being on the ground won’t stop it from receiving care from momma and poppa bird and though it may take a few days sooner or later baby will be soaring the friendly skies.