Why Picking Up a Baby Bird Could Do More Harm Than Good This Spring

Welcome to spring! Time to do some yard work. Out of the corner of your eye you spot some fluttering movement. It's a baby bird. There's only one thing to do: PANIC.

Actually, there's a better solution.

This Is What Is Called 'Fledgling Season'

According to the Center for Wildlife in Cape Neddick, Maine, in most cases the best thing to do is the opposite of what your animal-loving heart is telling you, and that's do nothing. The sad look in the baby bird's eye may say the opposite, but chances are the little Tweetie is right where it's supposed to be.

READ MORE: Seagulls Don't Exist. Seriously.

Around a year ago, the wildlife conservation and education organization posted a video showing what appears to be an injured bird along with a reminder that this is pretty normal and perfectly fine. That’s because spring is when many baby birds enter what's known as the fledgling stage.

Why You Shouldn't Panic If You See a Baby Bird on the Ground

They explain that as fledgling birds jump the nest, it's normal for them to hang out on the ground. Just writing that sends me into a panic - it's a big world.

During the time, they are kind of "working out" and building up those flight muscles that will come in handy later, trying out some hippity-hops and cute little flutters, and more importantly, gaining some much-needed survival skills.

RELATED: If You're Hiking in the Woods and Hear a Drum, Don't Panic

They may look abandoned, but look (and listen) closely, and the parents are almost always nearby, ready to step in when needed. With that in mind, watch out for dive-bombing nervous bird parents. Most importantly, your interference may disrupt the natural order of things, so try your best to let it all happen naturally.

In fact, the Center for Wildlife noted that the baby bird's parents were watching from not too far away.

How Do You Know if a Baby Bird Is in the Fledgling Stage?

If you know there are nests near your house with baby birds, take note of when you first hear or see them. This can help ease your worries. According to Mass Audubon, a fledgling bird is 13-14 days old or older and usually fully feathered, though it might still look a bit, without being mean—rough around the edges. With its tail and feathers still a little short, it likely won't be able to fly yet (which might trigger your panic), but it can get around by jumping, walking, and "fluttering."

After all, you wouldn't be a baby bird without doin' some flutterin'.