The spring and summer months are nesting season for most of our resident birds.

It is not unusual at this time of year to find baby birds out of their nests.  If you find a young bird out on its own, you should first determine if the bird needs any assistance.  

Observe the bird from a distance.  Are its parents nearby?  Are they feeding it?  If the adult birds are close by, chances are the young bird will be just fine.  Many fledglings leave the nest before they are capable of flying, but if they are still being tended by their parents, they probably do not need your assiatnce.  You can tell if a young bird is a fledgling by observing its feathers.  Fledglings have almost completely formed feathers, though their wings and tail will be slightly shorter.

If the bird is partly bald or has only tufts of feathers, it is a hatchling or nestling.  These birds are probably only several days old and are completely dependent on their parents for care.  Adult birds feed nestlings every few minutes throughout the day!  To aid a nestling, the best thing you can do is return it to its nest.  If you find a nestling on the ground, look up.  The nest is probably above your head.  Carefully lift the bird and place it gently back in its nest.  If the nest has been destroyed, you can form a homemade nest made of a berry container or pint-sized cardboard box lined with grass clippings or tissues.  Be sure the nest is firmly secured and place the nestlings back inside.  Watch the nest carefully to see if the parents return and resume feeding the nestlings.  If not, you may consider contacting a wildlife rehabilitator for advice. 

It is a myth that an adult bird will smell human scent on a nest and abandon it.  Most if not all songbirds have a poor sense of smell.  Returning a baby to its nest is the best way you can help.  Just be sure to never give water or food to a nestling or fledgling bird, as this can do more harm than good.