If the parents do not return within a few hours, you should bring the bird to a wildlife rehabilitator - such as Linda. Keep the baby warm and dry. Don't try to feed the baby fluids - birds breathe through an opening in their tongues and the fluids can thus be inhaled. Plant native trees and flowers, which provide natural food, water and shelter for wildlife. Replace chemical insecticides with organic products.
Many birds depend on insects as their main diet.
Two weeks ago, we mentioned that a yellow cockatiel had taken off from his Redding home for parts unknown. Well, owner Carol Hart tells us Pretzel is back home, thanks to the note in this column. Pretzel had the right idea, as far as direction is concerned for a cockatiel - he headed south. But by the time he reached Weston, he got into trouble. According to a story in our Weston Forum and Redding Pilot newspapers last week, Westonite Amy Blount was walking in the woods when she heard a horrible squawking.