07/17/2025
🐥 Baby Bird Season Is Here, Ottawa! 💛
From April through August, our city becomes home to lots of little feathered fluffballs! It’s totally normal to come across baby birds this time of year — some might look lost or even injured, but not all of them need help. Here’s how to know what to do 👇
🌿 Found a Fledgling?
Fledglings are baby birds learning to fly. They’ve left the nest but still rely on their parents (who are probably close by!).
✔ If it looks healthy and is in a safe place — leave it be.
✔ If it’s in danger (like on a road), gently move it to a nearby safer spot.
🩹 Injured or Sick?
If the bird is bleeding, disoriented, or having trouble moving, it needs help from a licensed wildlife rehabilitator — not a vet clinic or pet rescue.
👀 Maybe Orphaned?
If the baby has been alone for over 24 hours, or is following people or pets around, it may need help. Call a local wildlife expert to be sure.
🦆 Ducklings or Goslings with No Parent in Sight?
Call a wildlife rehabber! In some cases, goslings can be introduced to new goose families — but this needs to be done carefully and professionally.
📞 Helpful Contacts in Ottawa:
📍 Holly’s Haven Wildlife Rescue – April–August, 8 AM to 8 PM
📍 Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre – wildbirdcarecentre.org
📍 Safe Wings Ottawa – safewings.ca
📍 City of Ottawa 3-1-1 – For wild animals in dangerous or unusual situations
🧡 When in doubt — don’t try to raise or feed a baby bird yourself. The best thing you can do is observe, keep them safe, and call the experts.
