less <

If you find a bird that's sick or injured it's best to call a wildlife rehabilitation specialist or your state wildlife agency. Baby birds hop around on the ground for a few days while they're learning to fly. If you notice a bird with feathers (fledgling) flying low through the shrubbery, just keep it safe from cats, dogs and cars. Its parents are watching carefully from above. If the little bird doesn't have feathers yet he's a nestling and will need some help getting back to his family.

If you can find the nest and it's still in good shape gently place the bird back in its nest. Observe to ensure the parents are back visiting the next regularly. If you can't find the nest or it's been destroyed make a substitute nest by poking holes through a margarine tub and lining it with dry grass, the old nesting material or pine needles. Hang it from the original tree and wait to see if the parents come back. If they do, your good deed of the day is done. If they don't, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.

If you have no choice and have to rescue an abandoned bird, prepare a container with clean soft cloth and protect yourself with gloves. Cover the bird with a lightweight piece of cloth and gently pick it up to place it in the container. Keep the bird in a warm, dark dry place and contact a wildlife professional as soon as possible.