🍼 BABY SEASON STATUS: MARCH 1 — WEEK 1 🍼
It's already started. Here's who's already here, what's coming, and what NOT to do.
✅ ALREADY BORN:
🦉 Great Horned Owl chicks — 4-6 weeks old, covered in gray down, eyes open, starting to "branch" (climb out of nest onto nearby limbs)
🦅 Bald Eagle chicks — 3-5 weeks old, growing fast, covered in dark down, both parents bringing fish daily
🐿️ Gray Squirrel babies — First litters 6-8 weeks old, some venturing outside the nest
🐰 Cottontail kits — 1-3 weeks old, hidden in shallow fur-lined nests in your yard. Mom visits only at dawn and dusk.
🔜 COMING THIS MONTH:
🦊 Red Fox kits — Mid to late March (vixens pregnant now)
🦝 Raccoon kits — Late March to early April
🐦 Bluebird eggs — Mid-March (scouting nest sites NOW)
🦆 Wood Duck ducklings — Late March
⚠️ WHAT NOT TO DO:
❌ Don't seal your attic or chimney yet — babies might already be inside
❌ Don't "rescue" baby rabbits — that nest is NOT abandoned. Mom IS coming back.
❌ Don't approach owl chicks on the ground — they're branching. Parents are watching. They will attack you.
❌ Don't start mowing without checking for ground nests
❌ Don't trim trees or hedges — active nests may already be inside
Next update: March 8
#BabySeason #WildlifeBabies #SpringBabies #WildlifeRehab #LeaveThemAlone
As someone who enjoys observing and supporting local wildlife, I’ve found that March truly marks a vital period for baby animals emerging into our environments. The presence of Great Horned Owl chicks, Bald Eagle chicks, and young Gray Squirrels indicates that baby season is well underway, offering a precious glimpse into nature’s cycle each spring. It's important to recognize that these young animals are highly vulnerable. For example, owl chicks beginning to "branch" might appear abandoned when they venture onto nearby branches, but they are closely monitored and protected by their parents. Approaching them can invite defensive behavior, so keeping a respectful distance is essential to their safety and your own. I’ve also learned that cottontail rabbits often nest close to human habitats, but their mothers only visit at dawn and dusk. It’s tempting to "rescue" a seemingly unattended baby, but intervening can do more harm than good since the mother is definitely returning. This aligns with the caution against sealing attics or chimneys too early, as baby animals might already be inside these spaces. From my experience, checking the landscape before mowing or trimming is crucial. Ground nests and active nests may be hidden among shrubs and hedges, and unintentional disturbance can be fatal to babies still dependent on their nests. Using wildlife-friendly practices and timing yard work appropriately helps maintain a safe environment for new litters. Looking ahead to mid and late March, the expected arrival of Red Fox kits, Raccoon kits, Bluebird eggs, and Wood Duck ducklings is exciting. Supporting local wildlife rehabilitation efforts and respecting the guidelines like those shared here not only protect these creatures but also enrich our connection with the natural world. If you’re interested in following the progress, noting the next update around March 8 will provide continued insights. Respecting these "what not to do" rules during baby season ensures that we’re guardians, not threats, to wildlife growing up in our neighborhoods.
Be Aware... I accidentally did mow over a rabbit Nest honestly never have I ever experienced that and yeah was heart breaking 1/3 perished