Spring is the season of blooming flowers and buzzing bees.

It’s also the time of year when birds are breeding and raising fluffy little chicks. Between September and November these baby birds, also known as fledglings, learn to fly and eventually leave the nest.

You may well have encountered one of these bedraggled, slightly confused birds on a neighbourhood stroll – perhaps a magpie lark, red wattlebird or willie wagtail.

You might instinctively try to rescue it, but this may do more harm than good.

What is fledgling season?

In Australia, peak bird breeding typically falls between September and November. This is when food is most plentiful, making it easier for busy bird parents to feed their chicks.

We are now in fledgling season, the time when young birds leave the nest to learn to fly and forage. As spring rolls into summer, chicks of all species start to spread their wings. But many seem to start this journey before they’ve passed all their flying tests. Fledgling birds are like teenagers: they’re allowed to be out by themselves but still depend on mum and dad to provide meals and stay close by.

Fledgling birds have plumage that looks similar to adult birds. But they often have the odd fluffy patch of feathers and look a bit untidy. Much like pimply faced teenagers, this in-between stage is a natural part of bird development. When it comes to flying, fledgling birds generally have enough adult feathers to get off the ground but just need more practice.

The dangers of ‘bird-napping’

People often think fledgling birds need rescuing because........

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