What do I do w/an American Robin when I have not a clue where the nest is. Mother Robin is around the yard.?

Question

Just before sunset yesterday, 17Jun, I found a baby robin bouncing around my back yard. Mother Robin was up in a tree just frantic. Being late I couldn't try to find a proper nest, tree, or bush to leave the bird. I now have it in a nice cage and will attempt to care for it until I can release it. What are the chances, w/a prober diet does the little bird have? It's full of feather and can fly a little but cannot make it too far off the ground. Best case scenerio is to put it back where it came from but I haven't a clue where that could be. I'm sure mother bird will hang around the cage, I do have it outside....I could go on and on but ultimately I want to do the best thing for the bird to get it back into nature...WHAT SHOULD I DO...I guess is the question.

Answer 1

The bird is not abandoned, and you should have never taken it into your house.

Put it back where you found it.

Baby birds leave the nest (fledge) before they can fly.  Fledglings are supposed to be on the ground.  Both parents tend to fledglings.

Please stop interfering with nature.   Fledglings do not need to be rescued, and it's illegal for you to have the bird in your possession.

Don't worry about the parents rejecting the chick.  They won't.  Birds have a very poor sense of smell.  They cannot smell humans and will not reject or abandon any chick that has been touched.

After you return the bird - leave the area, so the parents can return.   You are considered a predator, and they will not come near while you are there.

Answer 2

i have been in the same situation!!!!! try leaving the bird out in the open if the mother is still hanging around to c if she will take it back ( if u touched the bird she might not) my friends and i rescued a baby bird trapped behind a desk in her garage. we left it outside and whated it and diff. types of birds can over and started feeding it!!!!! the bird might hav been abondoned b/c of natural resons

Answer 3

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...