Gwen Grace

Have you seen any baby birds awkwardly hanging around the community these days? It’s highly likely that you have, because at this time of year, the young‘uns are leaving the nest for their first adventures in the world. Sometimes they get stranded, like the ferociously-adorable baby great horned owl that was found hanging out on the patio of a home.

It’s tempting to try to save them, but Desert Rivers Audubon recommends leaving baby birds alone. Most times, the parents will locate them and reconnect. This little guy flew away a few hours later: maybe he thought he was in Hawaii!

But sometimes the babies really are in trouble. If they do not leave or are in distress, call the Liberty Wildlife Hotline at 480-998-5550, or take it Liberty’s intake window at 2600 East Elwood Street, Phoenix.

There’s so much to learn about birds! Desert Rivers Audubon welcomes you to visit their free Zoom presentations throughout the summer. First, download the Zoom application to your computer, phone, or tablet. Then visit the website www.desertriversaudubon.org and look for the registration link under Monthly Speaker Series. Through email, you will be sent a link. Here’s the schedule:

Tuesday, June 8, 7 to 8 p.m.

Cathy Wise, community science manager with Audubon Southwest presents: We Are All in this Together: What Community Science Is and Why It Matters

Tuesday, July 13, 7 to 8 p.m.

Jim Burns, outstanding photographer and scientist presents: Ornitherapy, Survival through the Pandemic

Tuesday, Aug. 10, 7 to 8 p.m.

Steven Prager, outreach biologist with Audubon Southwest presents: Watch Your Step! The Scaley Side of Western Yellow-Billed Cuckoo Surveys

Along with your backyard, as you walk the many trails in Sun Lakes, you will find many birds. Some summer here. Early morning walks in Veterans Oasis Park in Chandler, Gilbert Water Ranch, or Boyce Thompson Arboretum will also bring you many birds. Keep looking up!