These little ones came in - nest and all recently. They had a series of unfortunate circumstances that required their rescue. While the parents were still in the area, they were overwhelmed and predators had made it impossible for the parents to forage and feed them properly.
Sometimes it is a hard call to make - rescue vs. kidnap - but, these babies would have likely perished if they were left where they had been found. Our baby bird is filling up and another Steller's jay orphan arrived this afternoon with a very similar story.
Eventually they will all be united in a large aviary for flight conditioning. But for now - our staff and interns feed hungry birds for 14 hours a day..... Status: released.