This issue's featured photo

As I stepped outside my house one June day, I saw a baby bird fly into the side of a trash can then begin flying in circles, appearing dazed. I went over to help and he was surprisingly calm as I picked him up. The other bird in the photo, presumably his parent, began to call out as I held him. While I was checking to see if the bird was OK, the parent flew over to feed their young. Afterward, I placed the baby bird on a branch and waited with my camera—and sure enough, the parent came back to feed him again. After taking the photo, I waited at a distance to make sure that the baby could fly in a straight line. He flew off with the other bird about 10 minutes later! It was a pretty exhilarating experience.
—Emma Dampier, Hampton, Georgia
John Griffin, HSUS senior director of urban wildlife programs, told us he thinks the larger bird in the photo is a male blue-gray gnatcatcher. These male birds help feed their young. Griffin also reminded us that it’s a myth that birds will abandon their young if they are touched by humans.
Want to know what to do if you encounter a wild animal who appears to be orphaned, injured or in distress? Learn More
Do you have an inspiring photo of a wild animal, beloved pet or rescued farm animal? We want to see it! Send it to us for possible publication in All Animals magazine, along with an explanation about why it's meaningful to you.

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This was written and produced by the team behind All Animals, our award-winning magazine. Each issue is packed with inspiring stories about how we are changing the world for animals together.
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