Will parents abandon their babies if I touch them?
Birds do not have a highly developed sense of smell and will not abandon their babies because you have picked them up to return them to the nest.

What is a migratory bird?
Migratory birds do not stay all year in one area.  Some travel between South America and here twice a year.  Migratory birds are protected by state laws and by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 that makes it unlawful to kill, own as a pet, sell, or harass any migratory bird except as defined by hunting laws.

Can I have the bird if it can't be released back to the wild because of its injuries?
No. It is unlawful to keep any wild animal as a pet.

Is it okay to feed the wild geese and ducks at my neighbor's pond?
Feeding wild ducks and geese might encourage them to stay.  They might remain in the area and become a nuisance with their large amount of feces and aggressive tendencies looking for food.

My cat caught a bird and I rescued it.  It looks all right.  Should I let it loose?
No.  Cats carry a bacteria in their mouths that is DEADLY to birds.  Just a tiny scratch or puncture that you can't see will probably allow the bacteria to enter the bird and multiply rapidly.  These birds need help ASAP.  Call your nearest wildlife rehabilitator immediately.  This is the leading cause of death at our center.

There is a baby bird hopping around my backyard.  Do I need to rescue it?
Take a few minutes to observe from the house and KEEP YOUR CAT INSIDE.  Most babies can't fly right away after leaving the nest and hop around on the ground for a few days.  If you watch from a distance, you will see the parents feeding. It.