The most important thing to clear up about baby birds is the myth that the parents will reject their babies if they smell your scent on them. This is FALSE. Most birds have a terrible sense of smell and will be none the wiser if you place a fallen baby bird back in its nest.
If you find a baby bird on the ground, chances are it was attempting that first flight out of the nest and realized too late that it wasn’t ready.
Falling out of the nest
Usually a nest will contain anywhere from 1-4 growing babies, which can create a cramped living area, and sometimes, for lack of space, a baby may fall out of the nest.
Acts of nature
High speed winds and storms can cause nests to fall out of trees, especially here in South Texas.
In any case, when you find a baby, the best course of action is to place it back in the nest. Remember: the parents must leave to find food and will return to their babies to feed and care for them.
If you can’t find the nest or can’t reach it:
You can leave the baby on the ground near where you originally found it, if you feel it will be safe from cats, dogs, or other dangers.
An empty shoebox without a lid makes a great temporary shelter for the baby, and still allows the parent to find the bird.
If you feel the nest has been destroyed and/or the parents are no longer in the area:
Put the baby in a shoebox or other small container and call a wildlife rehabilitator right away.
Remember to keep the baby in a warm, quiet, dark room.
Do NOT attempt to feed or give water to a baby bird.