Date released: 02 July 2023
Photo: Sara Humphrey
Pigeon squab being fed by parent bird
The RSPB is advising the pubic that the majority of child birds discovered on the ground don’t require saving – it’s part of the natural fledging procedure – however has actually laid out the couple of circumstances when child birds might require help and the actions the general public ought to take.
Morwenna Alldis, representative for the RSPB, said: “At this time of year we get numerous calls from caring members of the general public about the powerless child birds they’ve found on the ground. But the majority of the time it’s important that we withstand the desire to ‘rescue’ the child bird, as appealing as it might be, this flightless duration is a natural part of the bird’s advancement.
“Just before baby birds are ready to tentatively extend a wing, wiggle a tail feather and take flight for the first time, they leave their nest or “fledge” as it’s called. The news will appear completely feathered and hop around your garden in broad daytime, not able to fly and might look like they require saving. Fledglings require two-three days on the ground and around the nest to grow their last flight plumes, and after that unexpectedly, they’re off requiring to the skies.”
Morwenna continued: “Another typical worry is that the new has actually been deserted by its moms and dads. But news are exceptionally not likely to be abandoned and ought to be fed throughout the fledging duration. Mum and father are most likely collecting food or concealing close-by with a beady eye on their young, waiting on you to leave.
“Parents know best and are the experts in rearing their young. Removing a fledgling from the wild significantly reduces its chances of long-term survival – so please don’t accidentally kidnap the baby bird, even in a well-meaning way.”
There are simply a couple of scenarios when the general public ought to provide a friendly assisting hand:
Immediate Danger: If the child bird is discovered on a hectic roadway or course, and if it is safe to do so, we recommend it is gotten and moved a brief range to a much safer location – this should be within hearing range of where the new was discovered. Similarly, if you discover your cat or dog considering up a recently established, we suggest that you keep your domestic animal inside as much as possible
Injury: If the new is hurt or captured by a cat, the quickest method to get it medical help is frequently taking it to your regional veterinarians, the majority of treat wild birds free of charge however do call ahead initially. You could also contact your local wildlife rescue centre, found here: helpwildlife.co.uk/ Or call the RSPCA on: 0300 1234 999.
Nestlings: If a baby bird is discovered on the ground that is either unfeathered or covered only in its fluffy nestling down, it has likely fallen out of its cosy nest ahead of schedule. Very occasionally it is possible to put these babies back in their nest, but only if you are 100% sure of the nest it has fallen from. If not, please give the RSPCA a call on the above number or contact your local wildlife rehabilitation centre.
Grounded swift
For full guidance, visit here:
Barn owl owlet
If found on the floor, first confirm it is a barn owl not a tawny owl. Barn owl owlets have a white, heart-shaped face and brown eyelid edges. More info from the Barn Owl Trust here: .
Note the exact location where you found it. It is not normal for young barn owls to be out of the nest before they can fly, if left they will likely be ignored by their parents and not survive.
Contact a local rescuer, the Barn Owl Trust or the RSPCA to help.
Broken House Martin or Swallow nests
If you find a nest that has fallen with chicks in, you can use a shallow ice cream or margarine tub with some drainage holes in the base, or a low plastic flowerpot will work too.
Place as much of the old nest inside the container with some hay and put the chicks inside. Place the nest as high up as possible, but if you can’t place the new nest under the eaves, you’ll need to put some sort of lid on it to keep the worst of the weather out.
The parents should hear the chicks and continue feeding them, but if they don’t, they will need to be cared for by a wildlife rehabilitator.
Occasionally, a parent bird will intentionally eject a chick from the nest if they sense it has an underlying health problem or is dying.
Due to an avian flu outbreak, the RSPB advises avoiding all contact with wild birds, especially sick or dead birds. However, if you need to handle a bird, please wear impermeable gloves, and wash your hands thoroughly immediately after handling the bird.
For further advice and the most up to date information see the DEFRA (England & Wales) website here.
How you can help this summer:
Morwenna says: “So many people are passionate about nature and want to do their bit to help, here are our top four tips on how to do just that this summer.”
Watch Your Step: Over half of England’s most threatened breeding birds nest on or near the ground. When out exploring nature, please follow the Countryside Code by keeping to footpaths, adhering to any signs flagging ground nesting birds, and keeping dogs on leads.
By watching your step this breeding season, you can help save the lives of some very vulnerable feathered friends. Some ground nesting farmland birds will also have two-three broods and you may still see fledglings into September.
So when enjoying your staycation this summer please take care to watch your step.
Make a Splash for Nature: Installing a mini pond in your garden, even a washing-up bowl on a small balcony, will do wonders for your local wildlife, including frogs and toads, dragonflies, pond skaters, water lice, birds bathing – even bees get thirsty.
Ponds are the easiest method to quickly increase the biodiversity of your green space. Birds and other garden wildlife especially need water during the summer months when natural sources may dry up.
A birdbath or a shallow dish filled with water, with some stones inside for perching, will really help them out.
Build a Hedgehog Café: With the UK population of hedgehogs declining alarmingly, it’s vital that we give our prickly friends a home in our gardens.
Feed the hungry hogs in your garden to help them build energy for raising hoglets, and fat reserves for their long winter hibernation.
Grow Plants for Caterpillars: Butterfly caterpillars are fussy feeders and adult butterflies just lay their eggs on one or two types of plants, which they know their caterpillars eat. By growing the right plants for the caterpillars in your area you can boost the population of adult butterflies.
Having lots of plant variety in your garden will provide the best chance of increasing butterfly populations.
To find out more about helping the nature on your doorstep, see:
