A young robin or some other songbird materializes in the yard, huddled near a bush or struggling on the ground. It appears flightless and lost, or perhaps just so utterly terrified that we are certain it will perish without human assistance. Knowing when a young bird needs help and when it doesn't is an all-important skill for anyone who cares about wildlife. Nestlings versus Fledglings A baby bird on the ground may or may not be there by accident. Knowing whether the little one is a fledgling or nestling is the first step.
Sheaths are the waxy casings that protect feathers as they develop.
Dealing with Nestlings A bird that qualifies as a nestling has suffered a mishap. This is one of the darker realities of songbird life. If food sources should dwindle during the period of brood-rearing, parent birds may toss out some or all of their young to compensate. Don't fret about the parents rejecting it because the bird now has human smell on it. This is a misconception.