When you see a baby bird out of its nest, it’s hard to resist the urge to help. While it may seem helpless, more often than not the baby bird is just fine. Most birds that people try to rescue are still being cared for by their parents and should be left alone.

Not sure if you should take action or not? Check out our online primer. And enjoy five photos of baby songbirds from past photo contests. Got a great photo of your own? The 2016 contest begins June 1!

Wood thrushes © Michael Ross

American robin © Naomi Willson

Northern cardinal © Charles Lanphear

Ruby-throated hummingbirds © Stacey Bourque

Red-winged blackbird © Deborah Monte

Springtime in the forests of the northeast denotes the return of a beautiful array of wildflowers, including the unmistakable trillium. The name “trillium” comes from the Latin tri, meaning “three,” referring to the three petals of the solitary flower and the three leaves arranged in a single whorl below the flower.

There are several species of trillium, all members of the lily family, including painted trillium and red trillium. Despite being quite attractive to the eye, red trillium is also known as “Stinking Benjamin,” thanks to its unpleasant odor.

In addition to some great Photo Contest entries, the first of these five images was taken by one of our staff just last week at Mass Audubon’s Wildwood Overnight Camp! Enjoy these cheerful harbingers of spring. And get ready: the Photo Contest launches June 1!

Painted Trillium at Wildwood © Mimi Palmore

Red Trillium © Kathleen Johnson, 2012 Photo Contest Entry

Red Trillium © Dorrie Holmes, 2014 Photo Contest Entry

Painted Trillium

Red Trillium © Tom Walsh, 2012 Photo Contest Entry