Baby magpies on the ground not unusual, wildlife shelter owner says

They may look like they’re in distress and not in their natural habitat, but baby birds on the ground is not unusual at this time of year. Find out why they are not up in the trees.

Wild life rescuer Michele Phillips is urging people not to pick up baby magpies. Their parents take them to the ground to learn to look for food.

They may set your heart a flutter, but a wildlife shelter manager is pleading with the public to stop picking up baby birds, especially magpies, from the ground.

South Oakleigh Wildlife Shelter owner Michele Phillips said people should leave baby birds who are on the ground alone, unless they were “obviously injured” — such as being unable to stand or having damaged wings.

“People complain about magpies swooping — well it can be because people are taking their babies when they shouldn’t be,” Michele Phillips said.

“I have received 30 baby birds in the past two weeks.

“They are on the ground everywhere now.”

Dozens of ducklings have also been taken to South Oakleigh Wildlife Shelter. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

Ms Phillips, who has been awarded the Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia, said people brought the young birds to her thinking they had been left alone and were unable to survive.

But often the adult birds were nearby watching their young learn to forage for food, she said.

Baby magpies are unable to fly immediately, but can climb up trees to a safe height.

Ms Phillips said she was receiving up to 100 phone calls a day about young birds.

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Her shelter is overflowing at this time of year, with 32 ducklings, baby lorikeets and possums also in her care.

She said ducklings were often hatched in people’s yards with swimming pools.

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