“Don’t kidnap chicks” is an important message. Here at Piskląt in Warsaw we can discuss this. It may seem odd to start a tour stop with such a statement. But it’s crucial especially during nesting season.
Piskląt may seem like just a street. It is more than that. It is a reminder of our responsibility towards nature. Every spring, Warsaw’s Eko Patrol receives many calls. People report fledglings that have left their nests. Often, intervention isn’t needed. People act with good intentions but interrupt a bird’s life lesson.
Young birds often leave their nests before they can fly. They learn to recognize dangers under their parents’ watch. Taking these fledglings away reduces their survival chances. “Ptasiego Azylu” in Warsaw receives thousands of such patients yearly. Most are young birds unnecessarily taken from their natural habitat. Owls crows thrushes and kestrels are among the most common.
People don’t realize that parents are usually nearby. They communicate with their young. They flee from humans. Sometimes they attack like crows or magpies. Early departure from the nest is a survival strategy. It reduces the chance of predators killing the entire brood. Parents teach their young to recognize alarm signals and predators. They also teach them which places are dangerous. They show them how much distance to keep in each situation.
What should you do if you find a chick? If it’s not in immediate danger leave it alone. Step away. If it’s on a road injured or too weak to flee help is needed. If the nest has fallen or the parents are dead intervention is necessary. Otherwise simply walk away and do not interfere with nature. If unsure contact a bird rehabilitation center. Send photos. Make calls before taking the bird.
This spring the city guard has already intervened in several cases. Someone brought a chick to a school secretary. Others took chicks to a vet. Some claimed chicks fell from nests. These little ones evoke pity. People think they’ve been abandoned. This isn’t the case. Experts estimate that half the birds given to them should have stayed in their natural environment.
When possible they return small ducks to their environment. They seek adoptive parents. If successful they leave the ducklings with the new family. Abducted chicks miss out on learning to recognize threats. This reduces their chances of survival.
Piskląt reminds us to be empathetic and act thoughtfully. Help when needed but with consideration. Remember it is better to ask than to “kidnap chicks”.