When Little Birds...are NOT Baby Birds. The Flight of The Warbler

Wandering About Nature Today-Just after the nesting season concludes, the busy Migratory season will begin. Once again taxing Nature centers for extra hands, as well as supplies! You can help by donating, Gloves, Towels, Kiddie Pools, Newspaper, Old Towels-Sheets-Pillow Cases, as well as shredded paper and medical supplies such as vet wrap, hemostats, gauze,cotton, etc. Thank-you!


Sunday, I had an urgent plea for help from Texas. A ‘baby bird’ had hit a window, stunned, and unable to get up-the frightened homeowner was in need of immediate assistance. After further investigation, it turns out, it wasn’t a ‘baby bird’ after all! The small bird was a species of Warbler. They are a very small bird, but very grown up. Those little wings-barely bigger than a Hummingbird, take on an unbelievable flight!

Florida has about 12 species of Warbler that migrate to visit us from as far away as Canada, and S America. The epic flight they undertake each year is astonishing when you see how truly small they are! Many people have asked me why they migrate here? Animals migrate for survival. If they are unable to overcome adverse conditions that affect their survival, they migrate to a place with more favorable conditions. Bugs & warm temps put us near the top of the list!

During the late Summer to Fall, Warblers will appear, many from south of the Equatorial belt, where weather there is very different to here this time of year. Some come from up north. Many crash into windows-as the reflection in the windows is of the sky, and trees behind them. Fatigue is also a factor.

IF you come across an injured bird, get a small box, poke ventilation holes in it, line with paper towels, and gently with your hand protected, place the bird into the box. WARM, DARK and QUIET is the key. Put in a closet, or quiet place-Human sounds cause stress. Due to it’s possible neurological damage, do not introduce food or water. Call your local Wildlife Authority. Do Not Open the box-Humans are viewed as deadly predators-stress can kill a healthy bird! If it has recovered, it may get loose in your home-then you have a whole new set of problems.