Found a Baby Bird on the Ground This Spring? Here’s What to Do

SALT LAKE CITY — It’s a beautiful spring day, so you decide to go for a nice walk around your neighborhood. You are strolling along the sidewalk when suddenly you hear loud chirping near your feet. You look over and see a baby bird lying on the ground near a tree trunk. What should you do? The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has a few tips.

It is not unusual to find a baby bird on the ground during this time of year. Many birds are hatching and often leave their nests before they are able to fly. Some may also be blown out of nests during spring thunderstorms.

“Baby birds usually chirp and call from the nest, waiting for their parents to bring food to them — and sometimes they get excited or agitated, which results in them falling from their perch,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Migratory Game Bird Coordinator Jason Jones said.

The most common baby birds that people find are robins (which nest in trees) and swallows (which build their mud nests in eaves and on the sides of houses).

If you find a baby bird on the ground, here is what to know:

Put it back in the nest if it doesn’t have feathers

If the bird is very small and still featherless, you should place it back in its nest. If you can’t find the nest, put the bird on a branch safely out of reach of dogs and cats.

“The baby will squawk, and its parents will find it,” Jones said.

Unlike with some other wildlife species, you don’t need to be concerned about leaving your scent on the bird. Most birds do not have a good sense of smell so if you pick up a baby bird, its parents won’t even know you’ve handled it. Read more

Wildlife

Fiocchi Introduces Predator & Pest™ Sub-Gauge Shotshell Line

Ozark, MO — Fiocchi Ammunition proudly announces the launch of its all-new Predator & Pest™ shotshell line, purpose-built for sub-gauge hunters who demand serious performance. Designed specifically for .410 bore, 28 gauge, and 20 gauge, this innovative lineup delivers the much needed solution for raccoons, opossums, skunks, nutria, ditch tigers, and the ever-resourceful landfill rats.

At the heart of Predator & Pest™ is Fiocchi’s proprietary Duplex Density Matrix™, blending two unlikely partners: osmium, the densest naturally occurring metal known to man, and saltpeter, sourced from The Great Salt Lake, Utah. This historic compound dates back to the 1800s, when farmers relied on salt-based loads for rat and rodent control in the barnyards, minimizing collateral damage.

“With tungsten prices climbing faster than a raccoon up a corn crib, we challenged ourselves to think differently,” said Fiocchi product manager Ben T. Franklin. “The result is a payload that’s high on terminal performance, while modernizing a time-tested formula at a very affordable price point.”

The osmium component delivers unmatched density and downrange energy, while the saltpeter serves a dual purpose: a buffering agent to the osmium pellets, and a short-range peppering projectile. Together, the combination has earned a nickname among field testers – the Salt and Pepper Strafer.

Adding a little fire (quite literally) to the equation is Fiocchi’s PhosTrace™ Illumination Technology. This phosphorus-infused element ignites briefly upon discharge, allowing shooters to visually track the shot string in low-light conditions. Whether viewed with the naked eye or through thermal and infrared optics, the pattern streaks toward the target like a cruise missile on a mission.

“Predator & Pest provides instant shooter feedback,” said Franklin. “You’re not guessing where your pattern went… you’re watching it happen in real time.” Read more

Ammunition

Wilson Combat Releases eXperior Elite Commander Double Stack Pistol

 

Berryville, Arkansas — Wilson Combat announces the release of the eXperior Elite Commander Double Stack, a precision-engineered defensive handgun that combines refined ergonomics, modern capacity, and performance-driven design.

Derived from the concepts of “excellence” and “superior,” the eXperior platform represents a commitment to building pistols that exceed the expectations of standard production firearms. The eXperior Elite Commander Double Stack continues that tradition—blending the proven ergonomics of the X9 platform with modern high-capacity capability in a compact, Commander-size format.

Built around a 4.25-inch match-grade stainless fluted bull barrel and Tri-Top slide, the pistol is engineered for accuracy, durability, and everyday carry performance. Precision machining, flush-cut reverse crown, and dual locking lug design contribute to Wilson Combat’s 1.5-inch accuracy guarantee at 25 yards, delivering consistent, repeatable results on target.

At its foundation is an updated high-capacity aluminum frame with an integrated light rail and magwell, providing strength, balance, and practical utility for defensive or duty use. TRAK-textured frontstrap and backstrap surfaces, paired with aggressive, removable G10 Starburst grips, ensure a secure purchase in all shooting conditions. Read more

Firearms

US Palm Storm and EOS Series

West Palm Beach, FL – US Palm aims to make big waves in 2026 by debuting an all-new series of rifles and a complete suppressor line. Long known for their AK pistol grips, magazines, and soft goods, US Palm is now entering the firearm and suppressor markets with the CAT 4 Storm series of rifles, and EOS series of suppressors.

The Storm CAT 4 rifle is a modern marvel of engineering brought to life by the team at US Palm. The rifle is a true duty ready rifle that is designed for maximum performance and durability. With accuracy enhanced by the Mono-Loc system, a rugged upper with steel reinforced wear points, a 16″ cold hammer forged barrel, Hiperfire EDT Designated Marksman Trigger, and US Palm “Hurricane” hybrid flash hider/compensator. The Storm Cat 4 will also be offered in a pistol configuration, featuring an 11.5″ barrel and pistol brace. Both models are now available for an MSRP of $1399.99. Read more

Firearms

Explore 11,800 Miles of Michigan State Forest Roads: ORV Maps Available Online

Gear up, grab a friend and download a map before hitting the open roads: Thousands of miles of state forest roads are open to hikers, off-road vehicles and adventure seekers!

Each year on April 1, following the annual road inventory and review, the DNR updates state forest road maps to keep them as accurate as possible. Available in both an interactive online format and as printable PDFs, these maps make it easier to plan your next outing.

Listed here by region are 11,841 miles of Michigan’s forest roads and trails open to ORVs:

  • Upper Peninsula: more than 5,752 miles (about 98% of the total mileage).
  • Northern Lower Peninsula: more than 6,080 miles (about 84% of the total mileage).
  • Southern Lower Peninsula: about 9 miles (about 2.5% of the total mileage).

This is an increase of 31 miles from the state forest roads open to ORVs in 2025. Read more

Wildlife

Sightron New “Snap Focus” Parallax Adjustment S6 MOA Field Target Riflescopes


SIGHTRON, one of the world’s most innovative optical observation and aiming device companies, is pleased to announce the new “Snap Focus” S6 10-60×56 ED MOA Field Target riflescopes. Available with or without magnetic focus wheel, these new models are in addition to the current field target riflescope line. The S6 field target scope is a premium choice for airgun, small caliber field target and benchrest shooters.

With the addition of the new “Snap Focus” parallax adjustment system, the MOA S6 10-60×56 ED Field Target riflescope can reduce parallax from 320º to 270º in a snap. The SIGHTRON redesigned parallax system has 270º of precision rotation, plus an extra 39º of diopter and environmental condition protection, for a total 320º of parallax control. These riflescopes are optimized for precise field target parallax adjustments ranging from 9 yards-infinity. Also, where it matters most, SIGHTRON provides 91º of parallax correction in the critical 40–60 yard target range. Read more

Optics

Plan Now for Spring Treatment of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

If hemlock trees on your property show signs of hemlock woolly adelgid infestation, now is a good time to plan for spring treatment of this invasive species. Hemlock woolly adelgid, native to Asia, is known to be present in areas of Allegan, Antrim, Benzie, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Muskegon, Oceana, Ottawa, Van Buren and Washtenaw counties in Michigan. These small insects suck sap from hemlock needles and ultimately can cause tree death.

Insecticides are available to control the insect, and in many cases, landowners can apply them easily by carefully following label instructions and application rate guidance. In Michigan, the label is the law. In some cases, you may need or prefer the services of a licensed pesticide application business.

If one or more trees are infested, make plans to act this year. Read more

Wildlife

Adopt a Lake: Monitor Water Quality, Fish Habitat on Your Favorite Michigan Lake This Summer

Is there a favorite lake where you love to swim, boat or fish? Do you want to take part in protecting the water quality of that lake? If so, you’re invited to become a volunteer lake monitor for the MiCorps Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program.

For more than 50 years, CLMP volunteers have collected valuable data on inland lakes statewide. This information is used by residents, local communities, researchers and state agencies like the DNR to better protect and manage Michigan’s 11,000 inland lakes and the fish and wildlife that rely on them.

This community science opportunity gives an inside look into what’s happening in your favorite lake. Volunteers receive detailed instructions, training and equipment to collect this data. You choose which lake to sample and which measurements to take. You can collect data on water quality (water clarity, nutrients, dissolved oxygen and algae), invasive species, native plants and shoreline conditions.

Free training is available May 1 and May 7. There is a small fee to cover the costs of supplies and analyzing samples, but volunteers often can collaborate with local lake associations or other organizations to help pay for these costs. Read more

Fishing

New York Withdraws Unconstitutional Social Media Background Check for Firearm Carry

Gun Owners of America (GOA) and Gun Owners Foundation (GOF) announce a significant legal victory in the ongoing battle against New York’s restrictive and misnamed “Concealed Carry Improvement Act.” In a Stipulation of Partial Settlement filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, State Defendants have officially consented to an injunction against the enforcement of N.Y. Penal Law § 400.00(1)(o)(iv).

This now-enjoined provision required applicants for a concealed carry license to submit a list of their former and current social media accounts from the past three years to confirm their “character and conduct.”

Key Takeaways from the Settlement:

  • State Defendants have consented to the entry of a permanent injunction against their enforcement of the social media requirement.
  • The Superintendent of the New York State Police is now explicitly required to ensure that the PPB-3 license application form does not include language requiring social media information.
  • The remainder of the ongoing litigation will continue to target other statutory provisions, including N.Y. Penal Law § 265.01-d and various “sensitive locations” enumerated in N.Y. Penal Law § 265.01-e where the public carry of firearms for self-defense in prohibited, such as public parks, zoos, and places licensed for alcohol consumption.

The lawsuit, Antonyuk v. James, No. 1:22-cv-986-GTS-PJE (N.D.N.Y.), represents a broader, ongoing constitutional challenge to New York’s aggressive and unconstitutional post-Bruen gun control regime. By forcing the state to abandon its invasive social media check, GOA and GOF have secured a crucial win for both the Second Amendment and the privacy rights of New Yorkers.

Erich Pratt, Senior Vice President of Gun Owners of America, issued the following statement: “New York’s ‘Concealed Carry Improvement Act’ is a smokescreen. This law has never been about improving concealed carry for law-abiding citizens but instead is a calculated effort to disarm as many New Yorkers as possible. We will continue fighting this unconstitutional law in court, including New York’s onerous location restrictions.” Read more

Gun Control

Wildlife Forever Announces the REDCREST Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever is proud to announce the REDCREST Fish Art Contest, a free youth art competition held in partnership with Major League Fishing (MLF) and Bass Pro Shops Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium. The contest will take place during the prestigious REDCREST World Championship and Outdoor Sports Expo at Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, Missouri, April 17–19.

Open to students in grades K–12, the REDCREST Fish Art Contest invites youth to explore and showcase their creativity and passion for fishing through art. This event allows youth to connect with conservation and the outdoors for a chance at prizes and to have their artwork and talents featured at the event.

Seth Thomas Spradlin – 2008 Best of Show Winner

Finalists and winners will be recognized during a live announcement on Sunday, April 19, as part of the REDCREST championship celebration. Winning participants will receive fishing equipment and prize packages from Wildlife Forever, Major League Fishing and Bass Pro Shops.

“The REDCREST Fish Art Contest will be a wonderful activity for youth and families to compete for prizes and showcase their talent,” said Pat Conzemius, President and CEO of Wildlife Forever.

The REDCREST Outdoor Sports Expo, part of Major League Fishing’s premier championship event, features exhibits from top outdoor brands and great deals for fishing and hunting enthusiasts. Each day concludes with top professional anglers competing for a $300,000 payday taking the stage for the postgame show. Hosting the Fish Art Contest alongside this high-profile competition provides a hands-on, engaging platform to highlight the importance of fisheries conservation and youth involvement in the sport.

Students must use the official contest entry form, found here. Download and get started, today! Forms and coloring materials will also be available at the Fish Art booth during the REDCREST Expo. Entry drop off is at the Fish Art booth. Participation in the contest is free. Read more

Contests, Fishing
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