Spring is here! That means baby duck, geese, and songbird season is upon us, and with that comes baby birds and fledglings that have fallen from their nest or become abandoned because the mother gets hit by a car. If you are lucky enough to find these little birds before they get scooped up by predators, here is what you can do to ensure these babies DO get the proper care and nutrition they need, and grow up and become full-grown adults.
Luckily, many bird and wildlife refuges scattered across the area of Metro Detroit should you find a lost or stray bird/fledgling/nest that requires assistance. In the instance, a tree is cut down with an unhatched or abandoned nest in it, or you come across a lost, abandoned, injured bird or fledgling; there are state-licensed rehabilitation professionals in your area that will often pick up, intake, and rehabilitate your injured bird. See below to find a bird and wildlife rehabilitation center in your area so that you can be prepared for the future!
PLEASE NOTE: Birds do not have a good sense of smell, and they are very dedicated parents. They will ALWAYS accept their baby birds should you find one and place them back into their nest. The mother will never reject their babies and always try to take care of them regardless of the situation.
*Do not fear sticking a baby bird back into their nest!!*
Oakland County Wild Wings Bird Rehabilitation - Hazel Park, MI 336 E Goulson Ave, Hazel Park, MI 48030 (248) 701-2523
Judy Walzack Specialty: Newborn baby birds & Incubating abandoned nests) Waterford, MI 248-613-4508
Washtenaw County Bird Center of Washtenaw County - Ann Arbor, MI *Limited space - call first* (734) 761-9640
Livingston County
Howell Nature Center 1005 Triangle Lake Rd, Howell, MI 48843 (517) 548-5530 or (517) 546-0249
Eaton County Wildside Rehab & Education Center
8601 Huston Rd, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 517-663-6153
Clinton County Nottingham Nature Nook 16848 Towar Ave, East Lansing, Michigan 48823 (517) 351-7304
Monroe County Outback Wildlife and Rehabilitation Center 5342 W Erie Rd, Ottawa Lake, MI 48267 (734) 777-1613
Lapeer County Great Lakes Wildlife Rehabilitation
Imlay City, 48444
810-272-6083
Macomb County
78440 McKay Rd, Bruce Twp, MI 48065
586-354-8500
For more detailed information about wildlife rehabilitation centers in your area, please reference the Michigan DNR Licenced Rehabilitation List to find someone who rescues injured wildlife and stranded birds in your area.