The first steps in life are not easy, not for humans and not for rooks. This rook probably just left the nest that day and walking on uneven ground the first time is not easy. They also cannot really fly at this stage, they manage a few flaps, but gaining height and landing is really difficult, so they rather walk.
Good time to remind people that birds like this are not injured. Lots of new fledglings get reported as injured birds. Unfortunately the fledgling stage is dangerous as they are susceptible to predators, but it’s what they have to go through to eventually fly. Luckily it really only takes a few days. And mom and dad are usually around helping out with feeding and alerting to danger. The only baby birds that need assistance will not have any feathers on them, they are hatchlings and you call your local wildlife rehab for help.
Reblog for the good info from @lifewithchronicpain.
And I would like to add: If you see a fledgling at a dangerous place, like on the street or on any pathway where lots of people walk or cycle, just take the little bird carefully in your hands and place it in a nearby bush. And no, the parents will not abandon the fledgling because of the human smell. That is a myth that originates from the rescue of some species of mammals like deer, where that is the case. With birds it is not a problem. And yes, the parents will find the fledgling in the bushes, because just like the little rook in my video, it is normal for all songbird fledglings to move around and call for their parents. The parents will also call out and that way they will find each other. But it is important that you move away, so that the parents will come closer. Like when I do these videos I always stay quite a long distance from the fledglings (hence the shaking because I use a really long focal length) and I never stay long, especially when the fledgling starts to call.
