Myths about baby birds that are out of the nest

[Catherine]

The cat had cornered the little starling behind some paint cans. He survived long enough for me to answer his cries of terror, but he had paint on him. I had to clean that up. I couldn't turn him loose in the dark, but when I went out first thing in the morning I did not know what I should do. I put him on the ground. There were lots of starling around ignoring him, but when he gave a cry his mum came right down and claimed him. She was so happy and so was he. She must have feared the worst.
Baby birds are best with their mums.

Like you I picked up baby birds to "rescue" them. I know now I should not have rescued them. I also know we could have put them back. Where did the idea come from that animals will kill or reject a baby that has a human scent on it. I have never observed this with any species.