On May 19th, a Good Samaritan brought in a fledgling crow that had been found near Cornell Avenue in Albany. It had fallen from its nest and was unable to fly, but we’re happy to report that it did not sustain any injuries. Dr. Lynn, Margaret, and Courtney conducted a physical exam, provided it with food, and placed it in a quiet area. After one night at MVH, it was transferred to Lindsay Wildlife Museum in Walnut Creek. After it’s had a little time to mature, we expect that it will be successfully released back into the wild.

Now is a good time to note that it’s normal for juvenile crows to leave the nest before they’re actually ready to fly. Popular months for fledglings-in-training are May, June, and July. They might be on the ground for a few days before they’ve acquired the necessary skills for flight, but their parents and siblings are usually not far away. If the bird does not appear to be injured, or on its own, it is recommended to leave the crow alone as it will be looked after by its parents. If it seems to be in immediate danger, the bird can be put on a low branch nearby. Since juvenile crows are almost the same size as their parents, how do you know if it is a fledging? One clue is to look at the bird’s eyes. The eyes of juveniles will have a blue/gray hue. When in doubt, contact your local veterinarian or wildlife organization to help you answer any questions.

Written by Lindsey H.