Found a Baby Bird? Here’s What You Need to Know!
Spring and summer mean one thing: baby birds popping up on the ground. It’s tempting to lend a hand, but often, the best care comes from their parents—not humans. Here’s your no-nonsense guide to what you should do if you find a fledgling or nestling.
Bird Flu Alert – Handle With Care!
A Avian Influenza Prevention Zone is in effect across parts of the UK due to the deadly H5N1 virus. Handling baby birds carries risks now, so check the latest bird flu safety advice before stepping in.
Know Your Baby Bird: Nestling or Fledgling?
- Nestlings: These featherless or barely-feathered chicks can’t survive long away from the nest. If you find one, try to spot its nest in nearby trees. If missing or damaged, fashion a substitute nest from a basket or plant pot with soft material. Secure it close by. Injured? Call your local wildlife rescue or vet immediately.
- Fledglings: Nearly feathered and learning to fly, it’s perfectly normal to see them on the ground. Their parents are usually close by. Keep pets away, leave the bird be, and watch from a distance. If in danger, gently move it to a sheltered spot nearby.
When to Step In – And When to Back Off
If a baby bird is in immediate danger—say from predators or traffic—pick it up carefully with gloves and move it a short distance to a safe, sheltered spot where parents can find it.
Only take baby birds into your care as a last resort: if they’re sick, injured, their parents are dead, or they’ve been alone for over two hours. Always contact a wildlife rehab centre or vet for expert help.
Injured Birds Need Specialist Help
Visible injuries require urgent care. Reach out immediately to wildlife rehabilitation centres or vets. Follow their guidance on safely transporting the bird.
Hands Off Eggs and Nests!
Never disturb nests or touch eggs. Not only does this risk killing the young birds, but bird eggs are protected by law. Let nature take its course unless absolutely necessary.
By following these quick tips, you’ll give baby birds the best chance to grow strong and fly free. Sometimes the kindest help is simply standing back.
