I just rescued a baby woodpecker that fell out of its nest at the top of a telephone. What do I do now?

Question

I just rescued a baby woodpecker that fell out of its nest at the top of a telephone. What do I do now?

Answer 1

If you can't put it back in the nest turn it over to a wildlife rehabilitator, contact the local avian vets office for a rehabilitator, or try to find one doing an online search for your area.

Answer 2

If the bird is fully feathered, it is most likely a fledgling and has left the nest on it's own and it's parents are caring for it. It is normal for birds to leave the nest before they can fly.   You need to replace it where you found it..preferably in a scrub or tree so it is relatively safe from predators, and the parents should come back to feed it.  If it is unfeathered...then look for a nest and if you can find it...replace it into the nest.  Do not worry about your scent being on the chick..birds have a very poorly developed sense of smell and will NOT reject a baby that has been touched.  If you cannot find a nest, get the bird to a local wildlife rehab for it's best chance of survival.  Also, keep in mind, it is illegal for you to try and raise this bird on your own.  Look for a rehab here:

http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/contactA...