Baby Waterfowl, Shorebird, or Gamebird Emergency

Baby waterfowl, shorebirds, and gamebirds are able to find food on their own often minutes or hours after they hatch.  However, they are unable to regulate their own body temperature and without the protection of their parents they are often an easy target for predators both wild and domestic.

It a very important to make some observations before assuming that this type of baby is an orphan.  Often babies will get temporarily separated from their group or be left behind by a parent.  Stop, look, and listen for any signs that the parents or other siblings are still in the area.  If you find a potential match, move the separated baby to where the potential parent can hear it.  From a distance, observe the baby for at least one hour to make sure the potential parent accepts the baby.  If acceptance is clear, you have successfully reunited a baby with its family!  Remember, the best place for a baby is with its wild parents.

If the parents do not accept the baby after at least one hour or if the parent is known to be dead please contact the Wildlife In Need Center at (262) 965-3090.

[click for information about transporting baby birds]