It is the time of year when baby birds are hatching and learning to fly.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Some get off the ground quite easily while others are much slower to launch.
So what should you do? WIRES said spring is the "kidnapping season" for many baby birds who are just learning to fly and are "rescued by well meaning humans".
"This particularly happens to magpies and ravens who spend a lot of time on the ground, rather than in trees, before they can fly proficiently," a WIRES spokesperson said.
"If a bird is genuinely injured call WIRES or take it to your local vet.
"If it is in immediate danger move it to safety then wait around to see if the parents return.
"More often than not they are keeping a very close eye on their baby from a safe distance and waiting for you to go away.
- If a baby bird has fallen out of it's nest and is not injured try and put it back.
- If the nest is too high, an ice cream container with holes and a bit of leaf bedding placed as high as possible into the tree works.
- Quietly wait around from a distance to see if the parents return - this may take a few hours.
- The best experts to raise a wild bird are its parents.
- If the baby really needs help contact WIRES on 1300 094 737 or take it to your local vet.
- Please do not try and raise it yourself.
"Sadly many wildlife carers have taken wildlife species to be euthanased after it has been held by a member of public too long and/or fed the wrong diet," the spokesperson said.
"It is also illegal to keep wildlife unless you are in a registered carer. Please remember our wildlife are not pets," the spokesperson said.
For all injured wildlife needing help please call WIRES on 1300 094 737.
