Q: What should I do if I pick up a baby bird in the park?
A: If at all possible, place the baby back in his nest. If the bird is already a fledgling (can fly a bit) and the area is safe, leave him where you found him. The adults are most likely around, and will still care for him.
If the nest is unreachable, you can try placing him in a basket and lifting that into the tree. Some parents will still feed the chick there.
As a last resort, if the bird is injured or in a dangerous situation (for example, there are dogs or cats around), pick him up. Do not give him food or water!
Many baby birds die, not from falling out of the nest, but by either being drowned when the well-meaning person tries to give them water, or by being forced to eat the incorrect food, which can destroy the digestive system.
If you have such a baby in your care, contact your closest wildlife rehabilitation centre as soon as possible.
Dr Dorianne Elliott, veterinarian
