I'm playing catch-up here so forgive the delay! I wanted to write this just in case anyone else finds wild birds in the future.
Old regulars of the forum will remember how I rescued a starling nestling and raised it with the help and support of rehabilitators from a distance (the one in New Brunswick was the most helpful). Although I was successful and he had a happy ending it's critical to understand that it's very difficult to find help. The number of baby birds in need far outweighs the number of people qualified to help or care (qualified doesn't always mean they care). I rescued a sparrow nestling this summer from a cat and that was much more difficult than raising the starling. Though I had background knowledge and wasn't flailing with panic this time, every rehabilitation centre was full. If they were courteous enough to return my voicemails I'd receive lectures on how it's wrong to try and raise a bird as it's supposedly illlegal. Actually most people will tell you to have it euthanized. The president of the OSPCA (wildlife division) went out of her way to lecture me. When I copy/pasted the fact that it is NOT illegal to raise a house sparrow she sent a few meager words of thanks for caring about the bird but refused to answer my original question, "Will you help this bird?/refer me elsewhere?".
Long story short I was on my own and boy did we have our struggles learning from each other. I was raising to release and no one can take that job lightly as the number of factors you need to consider is a little mind boggling for a first-timer. There was a happy ending though and she joined a flock not far from where I rescued her after a few weeks of care (during which I earned some grey hairs I'm sure!).
I suppose what I'm trying to say is keep track of those people who know what they're doing in the bird world, licensed or not. Though spring is a long way off it's very common to find a baby that fell out of the nest with no hope of returning it, and the support system for those wanting to help is weak at best. Moon mentioned me and I'm happy she did as I'm more than willing to share the knowledge I picked up or take in a nestling while trying to find a rehabber with a vacancy.
One key thing I'd like to emphasize though is if you do find one, try and put it back in the nest. They often fall out by accident and can be saved in a much easier fashion that way! Also, feathered nestlings are not necessarily orphans but may be receiving care from their parents a few days before they can fly.
/random bird care post
