After a Florida storm—especially one that blows through with the force of summer winds—it’s not uncommon to find fragile remnants of the wild scattered beneath trees: a small egg lying in the grass, a damp nest tilted sideways, or, heartbreakingly, a tiny bird with feathers still forming.
What should you do if you come upon such a discovery?
First: Pause and Observe
Our first instinct is often to rescue. But before scooping anything up, take a moment to observe. Is the baby bird injured or featherless? Is it chirping loudly or being watched by adult birds from a nearby branch? Is the egg cracked or warm?
Sometimes, less is more when it comes to helping wildlife.
If You Find an Egg:
It’s surprisingly difficult to successfully “rescue” a bird egg. Even if it appears intact, eggs require precise warmth, humidity, and regular turning. Unless you’re a licensed wildlife rehabilitator with an incubator, it’s not possible to care for one properly.
Best practice:
Leave it where you found it, especially if it’s directly under a nest—you might spot adult birds returning.
If the nest is reachable and the egg seems freshly fallen, you may try returning it gently to the nest. Birds have a poor sense of smell and usually won’t reject an egg that’s been touched.
If the nest is destroyed and no parent birds are in sight after 30+ minutes of observation, call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
If You Find a Baby Bird:
A key distinction here is nestling versus fledgling:
Nestlings
Traits:
Mostly featherless or covered in sparse down
Eyes may be closed or only recently opened
Weak neck control, not standing upright
Generally more helpless and dependent
These are very young birds—eyes closed or barely open, few feathers. They absolutely need to be in the nest.
If you find one:
Look for the nest overhead and, if possible, gently place the baby back inside.
If the nest is destroyed, you can create a makeshift nest using a small container (like a berry basket or coconut shell) lined with grass or leaves. Secure it in the tree as close as possible to the original spot.
Watch from a distance to see if the parents return (give it at least an hour).
Fledgling
Traits:
Feathers are mostly present, especially on wings and back
Eyes are open and alert
Standing upright with strong legs
Beak is formed and slightly open, possibly calling
These are older chicks learning to fly—often fully feathered but still clumsy. It’s completely normal for fledglings to spend a few days on the ground, hopping and fluttering under the watchful eye of their parents.
If it’s a fledgling:
Do not pick it up.
Move it only if it’s in immediate danger (like on a road or near a predator), and place it under a nearby shrub for cover.
Observe from a distance to ensure it’s safe.
When to Call a Wildlife Rehabilitator
Contact a licensed rehabber if:
The bird is injured, bleeding, or cold and lethargic.
The parents haven’t returned after an hour.
There are obvious predators nearby and no safe place to relocate the bird.
You find multiple fallen nestlings or a destroyed nest and are unsure how to proceed.
You can locate a Florida wildlife rehabilitator through MyFWC’s website or by calling a local veterinary clinic for referrals. You can also contact the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-3922 to speak directly to an FWC representative.
A Gentle Reminder
In our desire to help, we sometimes forget that nature is both beautiful and brutal. Not every bird can be saved—but every act of mindful stewardship matters. If you’re unsure what to do, the best first step is to pause, observe, and learn. That, too, is part of being a friend to the wild.
Have you ever rescued—or tried to rescue—a baby bird? I’d love to hear your story.
With wonder and wildness,
~ LS