Found a baby bird?

Spring has sprung, and it is the time of year when we have an abundance of calls regarding young birds. So, what can we do to help?

The first thing to do is to determine whether they are a nestling or a fledgling. 

Here are a couple of images to help you determine this: 

So do you have a nestling or a fledgling? Here is what to do:

Nestling: 

• They should be returned to their nest immediately, using gloves - wildlife should never be touched without gloves! This can be harmful to both them and you. 
• If the nest is on the floor, you need to determine whether it is a ground-nesting bird or a tree-nesting bird. This is detrimental, because if mum cannot find them, there is little chance of survival. For example, poultry birds such as ducks and swans are ground-nesting birds, whereas pigeons, sparrows, etc are tree-nesting birds.
• It is a natural instinct to try and get them out of harm's way; however, it is important to note that it is illegal to move or knowingly damage any wildlife nest. 
• If the birds are injured, then this does change things. They will need to see a vet. If you can do that yourself, please do. Vets have an obligation to care for wildlife, and if they are injured, they are the only people that can give them that. 
• If you are unable to get them to a vet yourself, you can contact the RSPCA national on 0300 1234 999 - but please note, the inspectorate do have to prioritise animals from cruelty and neglect cases, so may not be able to offer immediate help. 
• If you are concerned, you can contact local wildlife facilites. The best website for this is HelpWildlife.co.uk - Helping You to Help Them — www.helpwildlife.co.uk 

Fledglings: 

• Please leave them be. Their parents will be near-by.
• This is a time for learning for them, they are trying to learn to fly, and human interference can really hinder this.
• Again, it is natural instinct to try and get them out of harm's way - but it is often not what is best for them. 
• If they are injured, then if you are able to, please take them to a vet. They are obligated to help injured wildlife. 
• If you are concerned and need more advise, then please head over to this website. It is very useful, and can guide you to your local wildlife rehabilitator: HelpWildlife.co.uk - Helping You to Help Them — www.helpwildlife.co.uk

Thank you for looking out for your local wildlife! We hope this advice was helpful.