Please reply!

[Cleo_13]

There is a bird that has been hopping around my yard since yesterday. He is a bit grayer than the other birds of his species (I think they are starlings) and does not appear to be able to fly. I noticed him yesterday, because he was right in my path on my way back from filling the feeders, but though he seemed afraid, did not fly away. There was another bird like him yesterday, but he has now disappeared. I'm afraid something might have happened to him, and am feeling guilty for not asking sooner. Today I offered a bowl of sunflower seeds to the remaining bird, but he did not eat out of it, and from what I can see out the window a squirrel is eating them now. Now he has hopped over to my neighbors yard, I'm really worried. Should I try to help?

[Buddy'sMom]

Cleo, many times this is just a young bird learning how to hop around and how to fly. If you observe from a discreet distance, you may see mom and dad nearby, watching out for him. Sometimes even feeding him. We had a baby robin hopping about our yard last week.

If he still seems alone (and on the ground in the open) when it gets dark, though, he may be in trouble and need help. You can keep him safe overnight in a box, and then put him out in the morning and mom and dad may then come to his rescue.

Chances are, though, by today he will have figured out the flying-thing and be OK.

If you can post a picture, perhaps someone will be able to tell you if it is young enough to need human help.

:grouphug :grouphug

[Cleo_13]

Thank you so much! I'll post a picture as soon as the floor is dry. (mom is doing housecleaning.)

[Cleo_13]

here

[Jackie in Tampa]

He does look young, but *eek* not a bird person:dono .
Hope someone can help you soon!:grouphug
I guess you haven't seen his momma hanging around?
I don't even know what a starling looks like...another eek!
hoping someone will be here that knows birds!

[Buddy'sMom]

I mostly only "know" what's in my birdbook :tilt It looks a bit like the starling and also I see nothing else of that coloring that has a yellow beak. (But my book is for birds of MD and DE and you may have some that aren't found here)

I watched baby robins grow up last year and this one looks like it is at that same stage -- young looking, but has all its feathers. Unless it seems to be in danger (cat stalking it and it doesn't try to fly to safety) I think it will be OK. But if it seems to be alone and in the open at nightfall, bring it in, put it in a covered box w/breathing holes, and put it back out in the morning. Although they eat frequently during the day, they don't eat at night.

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

He is a starling and is definetely a fledgling. If you found him on the ground hopping around 2 days ago, he should be starting to fly today or tomorrow. He looks happy and alert, so I would say he doesn't need any help.

[Nancy in New York]

Have you seen him again, and if so, see if there appears to be fresh bird poop around him...that means that Mama is feeding him. I hate to see single birds around and hopping off without their Mama's. I'm not sure if all birds do this, but if you got near him, will Mama come around and try to get you to stay away? I know that robins make such a fuss as do Mockingbirds, if you go anywhere near their babies. You may not even see their babies but Mama is watching you, and if you get close, they sometimes even dive bomb you...:) :) Keep us posted...:thumbsup

[Feeze]

I agree with all that's been said here. Just keep a squirtgun handy for those nasty cats.:nono I've seen many baby starlings around here. They can hold their own. Just look at how fast their population has grown after being introduced to the US!:sanp3

Thanks for your concern for this little one.:grouphug As with squirrels, it isn't common to find people that have any feeling for introduced or "invasive" species.