NOT ALL BIRDS ARE BORN IN A NEST!
Some birds simply nest on the ground
The first step is to figure out whether the bird is a nestling or a fledgling:
A nestling: does not have any feathers or covered in fluffy down it may have the start of feathers appearing to grow.
Eyes may be closed and normally it is not standing.
A fledgling: has most of its feathers already, they are able to walk, hop and flap, and they may attempt short flights, but are still being cared for by its parents.
Its a Nestling what now
So the bird is naked (none or few feathers), look in immediate area for its nest you can safely do so pop the chick back in the nest.
If you can't find a nest make a temporary one by using a basket, ice-cream container, small bucket or similar and half fill it with leaves and small twigs .
If the nest is on the ground put that in the container and hang it in the tree or attach it in the fork of the tree.
Birds have a poor sense of smell so the chick will not be rejected by its parents if you pick it up.
Observe for signs of parents this may take an hour or more as they may be afraid and wondering where the nest is or where the babies have gone, if the chic is making noise thats a good thing as mum or dad will come down to investigate and hopefully feed their young.
If they do feed then you know the chick will be ok so leave it in the tree.
If after several hours the parent birds are nowhere to be found bring the baby bird inside place in a small cardboard box keep it covered and place in a quite area of your home.
Do not keep opening the box as this will stress the bird.
Call or take it to your nearest veterinarian or simply call the Wildcare helpline or a licensed rehabilitator. and they will put you in contact with someone who can help.
Its a fledgling what now?
If the baby is feathered and able to walk and flap its wings but may be in immediate danger (on a road or near a predator), move it to a higher branch or a bush as close as possible to where you first found it.
Confine cats and dogs.
Withdraw to a good distance stand or sit very still and simply watch the bird, if you have binoculars use them.
Allow the parents, if they are present, to attend to their baby.
Resist the temptation to carry out a friendly abduction.
A baby bird’s best chance for survival is always with its own parents.
If you are sure the parent birds are nowhere to be found, it’s time to step in and help.
Place the fledgling in a container filled with tissues, tea towel or old clothes then put in a cardboard box and place in a quiet area, Please do not offer food or water.
Take it to your nearest veterinarian or simply call the Wildcare helpline or a licensed rehabilitator. and they will put you in contact with someone who can help.