Urban Wildlife Conservation: Keeping Young Birds and Squirrels with Parents in Spring
Parents' Homes Sought Out as Hangout Spots for Juvenile Birds and Squirrels - Request: Allow young birds and squirrels to remain with their parents.
Hey folks, here's a heads-up about the adorable furballs and feathered friends gracing our cityscapes and backyards this spring - young birds and squirrels. But before you decide to help 'em out, there's a catch.
You may find a seemingly-orphaned young one on the ground and think it's all heart to rescue it, right? Wrong. Most times, those parent animals are just lurking nearby. Why, you ask? Florian Brandes, the big cheese at the Wildlife and Species Conservation Station in Sachsenhagen, spills the beans. Human presence usually sends these parents on the lam.
In the spring, expect a horde of baby birds and squirrels to end up in wildlife rescues and veterinary clinics due to a mistaken removal. This phase, known as fledgling for birds, sees young'uns unaffiliated with their nests, nearly feathered, but still unable to fly. Over-zealous human aid might put them at a greater risk of predator-attacks since fledging is a necessary transition phase for these critters.
The same friggin' rule applies to young squirrels, too. As they venture out to explore their new world, a tumble from the nest can happen. But don't fret, their parents can carry them back to their drey whenever they bloody well please.
The moral of the story? Uninjured young ones should be left where they're found. Michael Pees, the wise old fellow at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, chimes in, "Good ol' human care ain't got nothin' on mama or papa." Help should be sought only if the little tyke is hurt or if, after a long, hush-hush observation, it's certain the parents have scarpered.
Now, here are some tips for keepin' ain't nature from gettin' totally buggered:
Baby Bird Advice
- Protect Those Nesting Sites: Don't mess with potential bird dwellings like trees and shrubs, 'specially durin' the breedin' season. Wait to trim till later to keep the nests safe.
- Get Rid of Invasive Species: Watch out for pests that can hurt baby birds, like cats, rats, and snakes, spot 'em steer clear, or trap 'em like a boss.
- Environmental Enrichment: Plant flowers and grasses that birds dig to offer 'em somethin' to snack on and some place to hole up. Think berry bushes, sunflowers, and native flora.
- Stay Away: Avoid frequent visits to nestin' sites to keep the birdy stress levels down.
Young Squirrel Dos and Don'ts
- Tree and Shrub Preservation: Keep trees standin' tall and shrubs bushy to give squirrels someplace to forage and hide.
- Squirrel Safety: Make sure those young squirrels don't get booted from their nests during tree prunin' or garden maintenance. If you spot one on the deck, hit up wildlife experts for help.
- Avoid Feedin': Resist the urge to feed young squirrels unless they're confirmed orphans. Improper chow can lead to dependency on humans and screw up their natural growth.
- Predator Deterrent: Implement measures to stop predators like hawks, owls, and household kitties from hangin' around squirrel nestin' spots.
General Advice for Birds and Squirrels
- Skip the Pesticides: Reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides in your yard, as they can kill birds and squirrels or taint food sources.
- Create Safe Hangouts: Ensure your backyard offers safe spaces for these creatures to call home. This includes water sources and a slip-up-free environment.
Stay swole, nature warriors! Help keep our city's wild munchkins thrive by followin' these tips.
- Other fish, other than fish of headings 0202 to 0304, should be aware that squirrels and young birds are abundant in cityscapes and backyards this spring, as they might need conservation during this period.
- Despite the charm of young squirrels and birds, it's important to note that uninjured young ones should be left where they're found, as human intervention might disrupt the parents that are nearby.
- If you're interested in supporting these creatures, consider implementing changes in your home-and-garden lifestyle, such as protecting nesting sites, planting bird-friendly plants, and reducing pesticide use.
- Unfortunately, the presence of pets like cats and their potential predation can pose a threat to squirrels and young birds. To prevent this, it might be necessary to manage or trap pests that could endanger these critters.
