Birds & Conservation >

Q: Is it safe to feed my hummingbirds nectar with red dye, as sold in most stores?

A: Current thinking is that the red dye may not be good for them. The red dye is not necessary to attract hummingbird. The color on your feeder is enough to attract them. You can mix your own nectar using 1/4-cup sugar to every 1 cup of warm water. Avoid honey due to the potential of botulism, and avoid artificial sweeteners such as NutraSweet ® due to the lack of nutritional value.

Q: What do I do if a bird has fallen out of its nest?

A: Gently pick up the bird and place it in a box or basket. Try locating the nest and place it back in as best you can. If you cannot find the nest, leave the young bird in a box or basket and place out of reach of predators (cats, dogs) and let the parents continue to feed their young.

Over 75% of young wild birds "rescued" do not need help. Often times parents are nearby watching over the young. Some birds leave the nest prior to their ability to fly and will spend days on the ground while being trained by their parents. Very young birds or eggs that have fallen from the nest may be returned by gently placing them back in. Birds have a very poor sense of smell and will not abandon an egg or baby handled by humans. A destroyed nest can be substituted using a box, basket or hanging planter lined on the bottom with grasses, pine straw or moss. The new nest should be observed for 4-6 hours to determine that the parents have returned to the young.

If a bird is truly abandoned or injured, it must be turned over to a licensed rehabilitator for care. It is illegal to keep or care for wildlife without a permit. Contact the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota at 651-486-9453.

Q: What do I do if I find an injured bird?

A: The best solution is to make the animal as comfortable as possible and call the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota at 651-486-9453. If you live outside the metro area, the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center can direct you to a licensed rehabilitation provider in your area. If you find an injured Raptor, contact the University of Minnesota Raptor Center 612-624-4745.

Q: What is safe to feed my backyard birds?

A: Most of the prepackaged wild birdseed and suet cakes are a favorite among backyard birds. This mixture can be obtained from most grocery stores, pet stores or Wild Bird Stores.

Q: What do I do about birds building a nest in an inappropriate place on my property?

A: The best advice is to stop this process as soon as it starts. Remove the nest materials by hand or with a hose, making sure not to injure any nearby wildlife. This action is only appropriate in the beginning stages of nest building. If nesting has already begun, it is against the law to injure or disturb wildlife.

Q: How do I keep birds from flying into my windows?

A: The birds are seeing a reflection of the place where they want to be (trees, flowers, etc.). Impede this reflection by putting things in the windowsill or by hanging Mylar strips just outside the window. The birds will see the moving strips and will not be tempted to fly into them.

Q: How long is the incubation period for my backyard birds? How long until the young ones leave the nest?

A: The length of time varies from species to species. Here are a few common birds:

• American Robin: 12-14 days incubation; 14-16 days until young first fly.
• Scrub Jay: 16 days incubation; 18 days until young first fly.
• Anna's Hummingbird: 14-18 days incubation; 18-21 days until young first fly.
• House Finch: 12-16 days incubation; 11-19 days until young first fly.
• Mourning Dove: 17-19 days incubation; 35-37 days until young first fly.
• Black Phoebe: 15-17 days incubation; 20-21 days until young first fly.
• Cliff Swallow: 12-16 days incubation; 23 days until young first fly.
• Nuttal's Woodpecker: 14 days incubation; unknown when young first fly.
• American Crow: 18 days incubation; 28-35 days until young first fly.
• Northern Mockingbird: 12 days incubation; 10-12 days until young first fly.

Q: How can I identify what kinds of birds are in my backyard?

A: The best way is to purchase a bird identification book. The National Audubon Society has a Field Guide to North American Birds for the Eastern and Western regions. These books include color photographs and descriptions of the birds you may find in your backyard.