Article: Tulsa World, Okla., Action Line column: Many baby birds should be left alone.(Column)

Byline: Phil Mulkins

Apr. 30--Dear Action Line: I found an orphan baby bird under one of my trees and am afraid my cat will get it. What should I do with it? -- R.L., Tulsa.

Baby birds: There are two types of baby birds and two schools of thought on what to do with the fallen ones. "Nestlings" can barely sit up, have no feathers, have either bare or down-covered skin, closed eyes and no ability to fly. "Fledglings" (or "branchers") are fully feathered (including tail feathers), sighted and able to hop around the nest or onto nearby branches. Two schools: put them back in the nest, or don't touch them at all.

Nestlings: They sometimes get booted ...

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