On Monday, on arriving at my office, I found a disturbing sight: a paper grocery bag buzzing with flies. I won’t describe the smell. Inside the bag was a dead fledgling American robin.
It was obvious that whoever dropped the bird off had the best intentions, as the bird was provisioned with bagel scraps, and a plastic cup with water, cut down one side to facilitate access. Some wadded paper provided cover. I don’t know this robin’s full story, or how long it had been by the door, but this sad event is a reminder to leave wildlife alone. The impulse to help birds that seem to be in distress is strong, but individual fledgling birds generally don’t need our help.
As our local raptor rehabilitation hero Tom Ricardi says, “If you care, leave it there.”
Tom Lautzenheiser
Easthampton
The writer is a central/western regional scientist for Mass Audubon and the Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary.