Baby jay needs rescue!

[yarncat]

There is a baby Steller's Jay in my yard.  It is sitting on the ground with a group of adult jays protecting it by dive bombing anything that comes near it.  Is there still a bird sanctuary here in WW?  I recall in years past that there was someone that would rescue birds in such a situation.

[sharyn]

Leave it alone.  The parents will feed it until it can fly.  I kept finding baby birds last summer so I looked it up. 

http://www.ornithology.com/FAQs.html
What do I do with a baby bird that fell out of its nest? Baby birds do not usually fall from their nest; they jump. As the young birds grow the nest gets crowded, so they leave before they are capable of flying. This is normal. The BEST thing to do with baby birds is leave them where they are as their parents are likely nearby taking care of the youngster. Do not attempt to put it back in its nest or raise it yourself. If you feel you MUST do something to help a baby bird, call your local wildlife rehabilitation center, wildlife office, department of the environment, fish and game or extension office. More information on caring for birds and for rehabilitation facilities at Ornithology.com.


Also this site has info
http://www.wild-bird-watching.com/Baby_Birds.html
Uninjured Baby Birds
If you find an uninjured young bird you will need to determine whether or not it is really an orphaned bird. The best way is to determine if it is a nestling or a fledgling. Most young birds that are found are really just young fledglings that can't fly well.

Many people don't realize that when birds leave the nest most are unable to fly. Rather they jump and glide to different tree branches.

Sometimes missing and ending up on the ground. This is why you want to know if it's a fledgling or not.

In order to determine whether the bird is a nestling or a fledgling allow the baby bird to perch on your finger. If it is able to grip your finger firmly than it is a fledgling.

The best thing to do in this case is to place it in a nearby tree or shrub and leave it alone. The parents will continue to care and feed it on their own.

If the bird is not able to cling to your finger, than it most likely a nestling. If this is the case try to locate the nest. Most of the time it will be close by and well hidden. Place the bird back in the nest.

If the nest cannot be found, try lining a small berry basket with tissue and tying the basket to a tree. Place the young bird in the basket and leave it alone. The parents will take care of it once you leave. If cats are a problem, keep them indoors for a couple of days. If it is neighboring cats or predators you fear, try to move the bird out of harms way. Move it to dense shrubbery.

Many bird deaths are caused by well-meaning people. Improper feeding and stress can cause a baby birds death. Forcing birds to drink water can also cause drowning and death. Never force water into any bird.

 
Hand-Feeding Birds
Should you hand-feed birds that you have found? The short answer is no. Young birds are fed by their parents about every 20 minutes during daylight hours. Most people are not able to provide this much time and effort in raising young birds.

[yarncat]

Thank you for the info.  The baby was on the ground in the area all day.  The reason the adult birds were screaming so much was because the baby landed in the neighbors dog run!  The dogs were very intrigued with it.  Finally it hopped through the chain link fence over to my side where it hid in the brush. I have not seen it today.