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 Like clockwork, as the days lengthen and the air warms with sweet renewal, the annual rites of spring commence. Songbirds return from migration. Mammals wake from their winter slumbers, and the thawed ponds and vernal pools begin scurrying with life. It is also then that Audubon's phones begin to ring - and ring - and ring. From territorial birds attacking their reflections in windows, to nest and den building in inconvenient places, or woodpeckers drumming on people's homes - spring breeding behavior in the natural world draws attention and concern.
However, nothing seems to get more notice than the appearance of offspring found in nature. Hundreds of calls from concerned individuals and businesses look for advice on how to handle situations involving spring babies. The correct answer, nine times out of ten, is to do nothing. Just watch from a distance and let nature ‘do its thing' without human intervention. In fact, interfering is often against the law (i.e. active nests and nesting birds are protected by law).
From late March until early July, birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians,
and insects sing, court, mate and reproduce. This has always been the
way. Even in these modern times, when encroachment by humans has left
little space for other living things, the instinct to reproduce is the
strongest, most undeniable instinct organisms possess. They know what
to do, and they need the space and time to do it.
It is very tempting to investigate that young squirrel on the ground or
to rush out and scoop up that baby bird hopping around in your yard,
but often very well-meaning people unwittingly "rescue" animals that
are in perfectly normal 'growing up' situations. Young animals need
time to explore, learn about avoiding predators, find food, and get
from place to place. The parents are often not far off (they may even
be waiting for you to leave the area) and often continue to care for
youngsters outside of nests, burrows and dens. Some creatures are on
their own from the time they are born (like turtles and tadpoles) and
receive no parental care. Just because a baby is alone in nature, it
does not mean it is in danger.
As an example, songbirds jump out of the nest, or fledge, when their
wing feathers grow in. They spend a few days hopping about and
practicing flying and foraging before they are off on their own
completely. The parent birds continue to feed the youngster on the
ground until they learn to feed themselves. Alternately, little fox
pups or tiny baby skunks are animals that need to practice hunting and
foraging if they are to survive. Although we may get squeamish or feel
sorry for the prey, they rely on that practice to hone their skills at
catching food. These young creatures need to follow their instincts in
catching prey, learning to fly or climb, and evading predators. We need
to let their parents decide when to step in. They have been doing it
since the dawn of time and most do not need any human help. Indeed,
countless baby animals die at the hands of well-meaning humans who
believe they are rescuing animal offspring.
At Audubon, you will often hear the phrase, "If you care, leave them
there." Never try to feed young animals or make pets of them. It is
illegal and most often ends up with the animal becoming sick,
malnourished or dying. Many well-intentioned individuals end up feeding
babies the wrong thing (e.g. milk to non-mammals or worms to
seed-eating birds). To a delicate little critter, this can be a death
sentence. Most baby animals do not make it to adulthood due to natural
attrition, but the rate of survival actually decreases when humans get
involved. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators often lament all the healthy
young that end up in their clinics and will strenuously advise people
to put them back and let the parents care for them.
If an animal is visibly injured, sick or truly orphaned (e.g. mom was
hit by car), that is a different story. Licensed rehabilitatorss can
determine by phone whether an animal needs rescuing and advise what to
do. Audubon can refer callers to licensed state rehabilitators if
necessary.
Nature is truly amazing. Springtime in the natural world is doubly so.
When you observe wildlife in your yard or travels, take the time to
watch their behaviors and actions. Feed your interest and respect for
animals by learning about them by using the internet or a field guide.
Get to know the Audubon naturalist at your local wildlife refuge and
attend one of the many programs about wild animals and plants that we
offer.
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