I paused under a large white pine along the trail to observe three black-capped chickadees. Could this be a family group with a new fledgling? One of the chickadees, a slightly fluffier looking individual, gave itself away begging to its parents right in front of me. While this individual was already flying and could get around on its own, July is a prime time to see fledgling birds.
A fledgling is a songbird that has left its nest but is still relying on its parents to teach them survival skills. For the first few days or weeks out of the nest, and sometimes only hours, the fledglings are also learning to fly. You may see more fluffy downy feathers on the bird or a different pattern all together, begging behaviors, or witness it practicing flying and not making it very far.
They may seem like they need help, but the best chance of survival for these young birds is to be in the wild, with their parents. For the chickadee, after leaving the nest, it will spend two to four weeks still dependent on its parents before starting a life of its own. Visit www.wildlifecenter.org/babybird to help determine if a baby bird needs help.
If you truly do think a bird is injured or has been picked up by a dog or cat (they have deadly bacteria in their saliva to birds,) call a licensed rehabilitator found at https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/dlr/.
Join the Women in Nature Group for a scenic paddle along the *Galien River from Glassman Park to the Red Arrow Highway Launch this Saturday, July 28 at 1 p.m. After the paddle, the group will enjoy a walk on the boardwalks over the marsh of Galien County Park. Previous kayaking experience is required. *If water levels are not suitable, an alternate river will be chosen. Please call 269-927-4832 to register; Members/$20, Non-Members/$25.