ALong the lines of Linda1's Deer offspring thread.
(which I think has to be a big fat white lie, BTW)
I remember being told as a kid
"don't ever pick up baby birds, because the mother will then smell human on her child, and reject it"
Well, I believed that of course, but then in my teens (or so) I heard that that too was a big fat white lie!
Something about birds don't even really have a sense of smell, and parents say that, just so kids don't muck about with baby birds!
Anyone else been told the myth about mother birds smelling humans?
Anyone have proof that it is just a fib?

OH, OH, OH! (Picture me waving my hand in the air here)

I've heard the same thing before. It's not true? Hmmmm...can anyone confirm? (Even though it's going to mean that all those people were lying to me all those years, and I'm going to be horribly disillusioned?)

Jabberwock, which part of mine is "a big fat white lie"? That they only have twins? I hope someone can confirm or deny this with something concrete, 'cause I promised my Dad that I'd check into it. He wants to know if what he was told was the truth or a lie.

So, what about the bird thing? Is that true or false, y'all?

I also heard the same stories as a child!!!

According to the National Aviary ..(Click Here). Here are the answers of two FAQ's.

I've found a baby bird. Is there something I can do to help it?

Most baby birds that are presumed orphaned usually aren't. To determine if the bird is simply separated from its parents, look around for the nest or the parents. If the bird has developed adult feathers, has a short tail, and is able to hop along the ground, the parents are probably nearby. The bird will probably attempt to fly again soon. Human interference may impede a valuable flight lesson. If the bird is in direct sunlight, try to move it to a shaded area.

If the chick still has its soft, fluffy down feathers, try to return it to its nest. Birds have little or no sense of smell and will be unable to detect that the chick has been handled.

When a bird is purposely pushed out of a nest, it may not be healthy. Adult birds can sense when a developmental problem exists. The mother will push the bird out rather than expend valuable food and energy on a chick that will not survive. It is difficult for people to determine if a bird has developmental problems simply by its appearance. If you are in doubt, please consult a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. These individuals are trained and experienced in helping orphaned and injured wildlife. Call your local game commission or sheriff for information.

I've found an injured bird. What should I do?

If you find an injured bird, we recommend that you contact your regional Pennsylvania Game Commission of fice or local sheriff for the name of a local licensed wildlife rehabilitator specially trained to care for injured birds. If you are able to locate a professional rehabilitator who will accept the bird, place it in a cardboard box, paper bag, or garbage can, depending on its size. The bird should be kept somewhere dark, quiet, and warm. Injured birds may be in shock and should ideally be in a 80-85 degree temperature range.

The National Aviary is unable to accept injured birds. We lack the space to house them properly and they pose a possible health risk to our collection. Remember - it is illegal for private individuals to possess native wild birds. In addition, caring for injured and orphaned wild birds requires special facilities and training.

[This message has been edited by TexasJoe (edited 07-08-2000).]

Well, I found a couple web references:

quote:

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Myth Buster – Can You Put a Baby Bird Back in His Nest?

Once you encourage the bird population, you'll find that a surprising number of young birds fall from their nests. Wildlife experts now tell us that it's myth that birds abandon their young if a person touches them. In fact, birds have a terrible sense of smell, compared to other animals. They won't even be able to tell if someone has handled them.

The Fund for Animals advises us to put the baby back in the nest. If the original nest was destroyed, hang a wicker or woven stick basket close to the original nest site. Stick baskets, or natural basket-like containers make good substitute nests, allowing rain to pass through. Watch for an hour to make sure the parents return to feed.
[quote]

and another
[quote]
What to Do if you Find a Baby Bird

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If the young bird is hopping and running away from you, LEAVE IT BE! His parents will find him. They are probably nearby already. If he is in immediate danger of becoming lunch for a cat or dog (ie., you see the cat or dog watching or chasing it) then scoop him up and put him in a nearby bush or shrub out of harm's way. Since most birds have no significant sense of smell, moving a baby bird to safety or returning it to it's nest will not cause it's parents to abandon it,

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I also put this question on the message boards at The Straight Dope.

Linda1: Yes, I just figure the "twins" thing was a myth, like the baby bird myth.