While feeding baby birds @ Tri-State Bird Rescue this week, it occurred to me that these birds, when released, might not have the ability to recognize their own species in the wild. If they lack a parental role model for song, will they ever be able to learn the song particular to their species? Can these released birds ever become part of a breeding population? It disturbs me to think of so much time and money being expended if this is the case. My husband, listening to my thoughts, summed up the situation as follows, " Well, they can always be hawk food, and become part of the food chain "!! Does anyone know of research that has been done on whether released song birds, raised from incubator stage, can successfully learn songs & breed? Any thoughts/ opinions on this subject? Marcia & I discussed the matter while out birding today, we`re both rather curious. Would appreciate any input. Thanks to those who answered to the Orioles & Oranges. Gone to the Birds, Leslie Fisher