SPCA Monterey County rescues baby birds each spring, among them are tiny hummingbirds

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) -- The SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center announced Tuesday that each spring they rescue hundreds of baby birds, care for them and then release them back into the wild.

They said that they see baby hummingbirds typically first each year after being blown from trees during storms or tree trimming incidents.

"The SPCA Wildlife Center is currently caring for three hummingbird babies as well as two baby black-tailed jackrabbits and one baby eastern fox squirrel," according to the SPCA. "Baby songbirds usually start arriving in need of rescue in April."

One of the baby hummingbirds was brought to the SPCA, according to the organization, after a community member noticed hummingbirds flying near them while trimming bushes. After sorting through the clipping, the SPCA says that the community member found the next.

After the hummingbird parents had returned to the next, the person brought the baby to the SPCA.

"Hummingbird nests are tiny, about the size of a walnut or a golf ball. Because of this, they are almost impossible to see when trimming trees or shrubs," wrote the SPCA in a statement Tuesday. "Hummingbird nestlings are even tinier, about the size of a jelly bean, and weigh about 1/3 the weight of a dime."

The SPCA is asking people to avoid tree trimming during baby bird season, and if they do see a next or baby bird on the ground, to please call 831.264.5427 or visit www.spcamc.org. They are also asking people not to feed rescued wild animals as it may result in the wrong diet for the animal.