Fledge That Can't Fly

We hosted six or seven pair of PMs this year, and all but one of the fledges are flying. Our concern is for one of the fledges that has fallen out of the box three times since coming out of the nest. We have put the chick back in a nest all three times. But it appears not to be able to fly like the other fledges. It just sits on the porch and watches. We can't tell if it's still being fed by the adults.

What's the humane thing to do? Can we keep it alive when the other PMs depart for Brazil in the next few days, or should we destroy it and end its frustration and possible suffering?

Tough Call!

Gene Wilson
Shawnee, KS :?: