"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
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.