Nothing to Chirp About: A Baby Robin in Our Texas Garden

Baby Bird in Garden

Summer is a busy time for nesting birds, and it's not unusual to find a young bird hopping around the yard. While our first instinct may be to rescue it, many baby birds that appear abandoned are actually being watched closely by their parents. We experienced this firsthand while checking our tomato garden one summer morning.

Should You Rescue a Baby Bird?

Not always. Many young birds leave the nest before they can fly well. These "fledglings" spend several days hopping through shrubs, flower beds, and lawns while their parents continue feeding and protecting them.

If the bird has feathers, appears alert, and isn't injured, it's usually best to watch from a distance and allow the parents to continue caring for it.

If the bird is injured or has very few feathers (a nestling), contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for advice.

Why Birds Visit Vegetable Gardens

Birds are attracted to gardens for several reasons:

• Insects provide food for growing chicks.
• Tomato cages and shrubs offer shelter.
• Gardens often have water nearby.
• Earthworms and caterpillars are plentiful after watering or rain.

While birds occasionally sample ripe fruit, they also help control many garden pests.

Do Fake Owls Really Work?

Plastic owls and other bird decoys can discourage birds for a short time, especially when they're moved around the garden regularly. However, many birds eventually realize the decoy isn't a real predator. Changing its location every few days usually helps keep it more effective.

This morning, Pamela and I noticed several birds were boldly hovering over our tomato plants. I couldn't believe it as I was earlier pointing out that the decoys were WORKING.

Upon closer investigation, we spotted a baby bird. Two robins and another bird were nearby, chirping and prodding the baby bird along. Pamela and I stepped aside and allowed the adult birds to prod the baby bird to safety.

It was really neat watching it hop, flap its wings, and make it safely across the yard onto a tree. Satisfied it wouldn't fly into the pool we left the birds alone.

I guess I won't place my fake owl on retirement after all.

Looking back, moments like this reminded me that a garden isn't just about growing vegetables. It's also home to bees, butterflies, birds, frogs, and countless other creatures that all play a part in a healthy backyard ecosystem. Sometimes the best thing we can do is simply step back and let nature do what it has done for thousands of years.

Backyard - Certifying for Wildlife Habitat

Left by the Birds... Mulberry Tree in my Backyard