MRCC News

MRCC Newsletters

Current Issue: Number 22 Spring 2007

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ORPHANED RAPTORS?  TO" LEAVE BE OR NOT TO LEAVE BE"

That is a question that many people face every year in late spring and early summer when nestlings and fledglings are most likely to be found out of their nests. It can be difficult to judge when a young raptor is orphaned. Many times these young birds are still in the care of their parents and need to be placed on a branch or just left where they were found. Contrary to the old wives' tale, the parents will not abandon their young if touched by humans, thus making it safe to replace the babies in the nest or on a branch.

If the adults are still in the area, they will continue to feed and protect their young. The best course of action is to observe the bird from a distance and determine if the adults are feeding the bird. If you don't see any activity for several hours or you believe the bird is injured or truly orphaned, call MRCC for advice.

If you do find a young raptor, PLEASE do not keep the bird and try to raise it on your own. A danger exists in "rescuing" young birds at the crucial imprinting stage, causing them to imprint on humans instead of their own kind. A young raptor is especially vulnerable to becoming imprinted during that period when its eyes are focusing intently on the creature feeding it, between the ages of three days to three or four weeks. This is especially unsafe with raptors, as these birds will grow up to be predators with sharp talons and beaks who, without their natural fear of people, could pose a danger to people. If a bird is imprinted, it can not be placed back in the wild because it will look to humans for food. Another reason for not raising the birds is they all have specific nutritional needs and parent birds know exactly what and when to feed their young.

If you do have questions regarding a young raptor, please feel free to call MRCC at 406-585-1211 for answers. But generally speaking you should take the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks slogan to heart. "If you care, Leave them there."