Spring has officially arrived at Le Nichoir — and so has our very first baby of the season, a Mourning Dove! This Mourning Dove is the first of many feathered patients we’ll be caring for in the busy weeks ahead.
As nesting season gets underway, you may start noticing more baby birds around you. It’s not uncommon to spot nestlings or young birds on the ground, especially as they begin the important transition from nest to flight. For many species, this stage lasts just a few days, during which they hop, flutter, and practice short flights close to the ground.
While this is a natural part of growing up, it’s also a vulnerable time. Each year, we admit hundreds of birds injured by cat attacks, which is one of the leading reasons birds come through our doors. Young birds, like our first Mourning Dove, are especially at risk of cat attacks as they navigate their first awkward flights.
It is worth noting that not all birds go through this fledgling stage — some species can fly directly from the nest!
Our team is continually updating the FAQ section of our website to give you quick, reliable guidance alongside our Wild Bird Helpline. If you are unsure whether a bird requires rescuing, we’re here to help.
