Wildlife charity the RSPB problems recommendations on what you ought to do if you discover a child bird this summer season.
The RSPB cautions the general public that many infant birds discovered on the ground don’t really require conserving – as it belongs to the natural fledging procedure.
Spokesperson for the RSPB, Morwenna Alldis, said: “At this time of year we get hundreds of calls from caring members of the public about the helpless baby birds they’ve discovered on the ground. But most of the time it’s important that we resist the urge to ‘rescue’ the baby bird, as tempting as it may be, this flightless period is a natural part of the bird’s development.
“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 fledglings will appear fully feathered and hop around your garden in broad daylight, unable to fly and may appear like they need rescuing.
“Fledglings need two to three days on the ground and around the nest to grow their final flight feathers, and then suddenly, they’re off taking to the skies. Another common fear is that the fledgling has been deserted by its parents. But fledglings are extremely unlikely to be abandoned and should be fed throughout the fledging period.
“Mum and dad are probably gathering food or hiding nearby with a beady eye on 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.”
The RSPB likewise keeps in mind that there is presently an Avian Flu break out throughout the UK and members of the general public are prompted to think about the following suggestions prior to acting upon the well-being info listed below.
Even though the threat to people is low, the RSPB recommends the general public to prevent all contact with wild birds, specifically ill or dead birds. However, if you require to manage a bird, please wear impenetrable gloves, and clean your hands completely instantly after managing the bird. For additional recommendations and the most as much as date info, check out the DEFRA (England and Wales) website.
What do I do if I discover a child bird?
There are just a couple of scenarios when the general public ought to provide a friendly assisting hand to a child bird.
If the infant bird is discovered on a hectic roadway or course, and if it is safe to do so, the RSPB encourage it is gotten and moved a brief range to a more secure location – this should be within hearing range of where the new was discovered.
Similarly, if you discover your cat or dog considering up a new, it is advised that you keep your domestic family pet inside your home as much as possible.
If the new is hurt or captured by a cat, the fastest method to get it medical help is frequently taking it to your regional veterinarians, many treat wild birds free of charge however ensure you call ahead initially.
You can also contact your local wildlife rescue centre, found at the Help Wildlife website or call the RSPCA on: 0300 1234 999.
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 per cent 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.
If you find a swift on the ground it is likely to have a problem.
A healthy bird is able to take off from the ground level, however swifts are complex birds and many causes could have resulted in the bird being on the ground.
Gently pick up the grounded swift and place it in a suitable box on some warm fabric, a professional swift carer should then be consulted before attempting to launch or treat the swift. A list of experienced rehabilitators is listed on the Swift Conservation website, who can advise and may be able to take care of the casualty.
If you find an owlet on the floor, you must first confirm it is a Barn Owl not a Tawny Owl. Barn Owl owlets have a white, heart-shaped face and brown eyelid edges.
You can find more information from the The Barn Owl Trust website. Note the exact location where you found the owlet. 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 flower pot will also work.
Place as much of the old nest inside the container with some hay and put the chicks inside, then place the nest as high up as possible, but if you can’t place the new nest under the eaves, you will need to put a lid of some sort 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. It is a harsh truth, as humans we want to fix things, but sometimes we need to allow the law of nature to run its course.
How can I help wildlife this summer?
Morwenna said: “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.”
More than 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 to three broods and you may still see fledglings into September. So when enjoying your staycation this summer please take care to watch your step.
2 – 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.
3 – Build a hedgehog cafe
With the UK population of hedgehogs declining alarmingly, it’s important that we give them 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.
4 – Grow plants for caterpillars
Butterfly caterpillars are fussy eaters 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 offer the very best possibility of increasing butterfly populations.
