Help, I've fallen (from the nest)

Sometimes in spring, baby birds make their way out of the nest before they're ready — either from a moment of overconfidence or wind from a storm.

• Here's what to do when a fallen creature tugs at your heartstrings.

Check for feathers: If the baby's still bald, you can pick it up and place it in its nest.

If it has feathers: Leave it alone unless it's in immediate danger from, say, another animal.

Threat level: Here are things to avoid.

• Don't take a bird home, and don't feed a baby bird.
• Don't move nests that have birds or eggs in them.

In Missouri: Call the Lakeside Nature Center for help with a potentially injured or orphaned bird.

In Kansas: Call Operation Wildlife. (OWL for short — get it?)

• They have info for all sorts of animals that may need help.

Between the lines: State regulations prohibit transferring wildlife over the border, even though we're a bi-state metro.