Baby on ground

[KMCFL]

So I came home today and there is a little one on the ground, feathers bit can't fly yet. None of the adults are paying it any attention, they are busy catching bugs and feeding all other babies. Any suggestions? Let nature takes its course? I've been watching for over 30 minutes not one adult bird has checked on him.

Take him to wildlife hospital? I'm having a hard time not doing anything..

Thanks

[Louise Chambers]

Two options - first, replace it in nest. If you have records from conducting weekly nest checks, it will help determine which nest is missing one bird. If you don't have records, choose a nest with young the same size, and add it to that nest. Don't overload a nest - if there are 5 or 6 young already, choose nest with fewer young in it. Option two, take to wildlife rehabber. Don't leave it on ground - a cat or other predator will get it. Put it in quiet dark place while you check nests, and don't give it food or water.

[KMCFL]

Thanks Louise,

We got it back up there, we just guessed which nest it came from. Same size only 2 maybe 3 in the cavity. He was happy to hurry back in. Watched for a bit both parents returned and entered a few times and baby stayed put.

Unfortunately, the pole does not allow for safe nest checks (first time landlord, upgrading next year to better pole.) We did our best and hopefully the little guy/girl will be ok.

[Dave Duit]

As the years go by you will learn new things and experiences will help you be successful in the years ahead. I wish you the best.

[KMCFL]

Thanks Dave.

I believe I have 4 nesting pairs. I got the s&k tri Tele pole up last year (20) with an S & k house and 1 heath super gourd. Also got a predator guard on the pole. Had a little activity but no one stayed around. Put up same pole with aluminum keys and 4 gourds this year (21).

We attempted to do a nest check but the aluminum pole keys are really stuck and decided it was not in the best interest of the birds, just incase something went wrong.

Definitely looking at getting a new pole, something that can be lowered and raised easily. Any suggestions?

I will look into heat venting, as I live in Florida and it is already very warm. Fortunately, the baby that I found looks as if it should be flying in a few days, so hopefully they won't be stuck in the "saunas".

Thanks for the advice. Looking forward to becoming a better landlord.

[C.C.Martins]

If I could offer any advice it would be a gourd system with winch or rope and pulley.

I'd locate it near your current housing (let the martins move to it next year) then phase out the older house. You could look to improve the current house off season with venting perhaps.
Just 2 cents,
Best,
Tom