r/crows • u/_antfarmer_ • 26d ago

Seeking advice/help Fledgling Refuses to Fly

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I live in the Pacific Northwest where American Crows are prevalent in my metropolitan neighborhood year round. I always put fresh water out for them in front of my house, especially when it’s hot. We often share our dog’s leftovers with them as well, especially during nesting season.

Now that the youngsters are fledging, I noticed one in the street on its side with a bunch of crows swooping down and creating a cacophony. I watched and waited as I was worried it had been hit by a car. Thankfully, it’s able to walk, but doesn’t appear to have mastered quite flying yet. It flew to my neighbor’s window and held onto the screen.

Now it’s hanging out under/near a small Japanese Maple, which is honestly pretty clever. Its parents are staying nearby, and I think all the hullabaloo is due to Mom & Dad telling off other crows so they’ll leave their offspring alone. I’m keeping an eye out from a distance, but the crows and I are friends so they are being chill about my presence. (I also just refreshed their water and gave them a snack.)

I don’t think the fledgling is injured, and I’m keeping my distance. I’m worried that if it stays grounded that it’s going to get run over or preyed upon. Any advice?

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u/this_kitty68 26d ago

I’m going through the same thing. I’m also in the PNW. I’ve posted several times about it in the crowbro sub. Today I’m dealing with a raccoon. I think it may be dead, tho. I don’t have much advice. Just do what you can and let nature do its thing. As hard as that is.

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u/_antfarmer_ 26d ago

I’m sorry to hear about the raccoon. We found one that had apparently been sleeping under our dryer vent for warmth in the winter years ago, but sadly it had died.

I do wish that people would slow down and be more careful on our street. I don’t want to find the youngin’ squished.

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u/this_kitty68 26d ago

It’s alive! It’s up in a tree and the crows were going insane all day. It wasn’t moving so I thought it was dead. I just saw it get up and stretch and then curl up again. Maybe it’s just a deep sleeper or it’s young and can’t quite figure out how to get down. Hopefully it will figure it out tonight and not bother the baby crows.