"I've found a bird, what should I do?"
Found an injured or bleeding bird
Scenario A
Place the bird in a small box with holes so they can breathe.
A shoe box is ideal or larger box is suitable depending on the size of the bird.
Wear gloves and place a small heat source (luke warm water bottle) if possible.
Take to the local vets or call a wildlife rescue.
If there is no obvious sign of injury identify if the bird is a hatchling, fledgling or adult and take the following steps.
Hatchling
Fledgling
Adult feeding fledgling
Found a hatchling or nestling
Scenario B
Locate the nest if possible and put the baby back or recreate one with a basket lined with grass and moss and place in a tree.
Don't worry about your smell being on the bird, this is a myth and won't affect the parents feeding them.
Observe the nest from a distance for 2 hours. If the parents return you have successfully saved a baby bird!
If you cannot locate the nest or the parents do not return then refer to scenario A.
Found a fledgling
Scenario C
If the fledgling is in immediate danger then carefully move it into a safe spot nearby like a hedge, where the parents can hear it. Keep your pets indoors.
If it is not in immediate danger, do not intervene. Fledglings often look a bit scruffy and are often left alone by the parents. If you are concerned about the bird observe them for 2 hours from a distance to see if the parents have not abandoned them.
If the parents have abandoned then refer to scenario A.
Found a Swift
If you find a swift take it to a high ledge and see if it will fly away. If it does, well done you've just saved an endangered species. If it doesn't refer to scenario A.
Scenario D
Ring Severn Wildlife Rescue:
07802679744 OR text BIRD with your name, postcode and house number.
PLEASE BE AWARE
If you cannot get help within 24 hours or if it requires urgent medical attention then take the bird to a local vet.