Note: The easy to read flow chart Guide is attached. You have to click on it. It is a pdf. Click here, on Bird Found.
List of major Florida Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers. If you call any of the 4 places in Orlando area they can help you directly or refer you to someone that can.
Avian Reconditioning Center
323 West Lester Rd.
Apopka, Fl 32712
Phone: (407) 461-1056
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Audubon Center for Birds of Prey
1101 Audubon Way, Maitland, FL 32751
Phone: (407) 644-0190
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Wildlife Rehab Center
21117 Reindeer Rd,
Christmas, FL 32709
Phone: (407) 568-3200
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Back to Nature
10525 Clapp Simms Duda Rd
Orlando, Florida 32832
Phone: (407) 568-5138
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http://www.wildliferehabber.org/
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In the past couple of weeks, a couple neighbors have found baby birds on the ground and were concerned/caring enough to reach out to me:-) We have a lot of baby birds fledging (leaving the nest) during the spring, summer, and even early fall. Cardinals, Mockingbirds, and Mourning Doves are the main backyard birds we see currently, however, this can expand with the habitat (our backyards) maturing and becoming more welcoming. They can have up to 4 broods in one season making the last to fledge the nest in October. That is our experience with the Cardinals.
They can't fly when they first leave the nest. Most important generally speaking point is, if it has feathers, and is not hurt, it is fine. Please just make sure it is safe from predators and leave it alone. One parent will be right back to feed it. They know where they are by the noises they make. Babies best survival is with it's mother. They need to eat and learn from them to survive. In the coming few weeks, "hands on" so to speak teaching will take place for foraging, flying, and predator strategy. Bringing them home greatly reduces its survival, immediate, and longevity wise. Not to mention the fact, if it wasn't prohibited by laws (it is), it's an around the clock full-time job requiring being qualified. I found it interesting to learn most reputable wildlife rehabs have real bird foster moms (birds that were unable to be returned to the wild) on staff to assist with feedings and nurturing. They also have facilities, equipment, and knowledge to raise a baby who can survive when released.
If no feathers, and/or hurt or abandoned, read the attached guide, just above the "reply" button, called FoundBird.pdf. They may need to go back in the nest or to a wildlife rehab.
One last point, outdoor cats and feeders do not mix. I mention this because a neighbor who reached out to me was in a situation with outdoor cats, feeders, and a vulnerable fledgling with a very upset mother. Cats kill hundreds of millions of birds each year. Please refer to pages 28-31 here to learn more about the responsibilities that come with having a bird feeder.
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/slides/Backyard_Bird_Feeding_web.pdf
