Leave young birds alone, says the RSPB

LEAVE them well alone — that is the advice for people who come across apparently abandoned young birds.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) said most young birds have not been abanoned and their parents are probably nearby.

At this time of year, many well-meaning people pick up what they think are strays but birds should only be taken into captivity if they are in danger or have been truly abandoned, the conservation charity said.

A spokesman for the RSPB said: “It’s common in spring and summer to find young birds sitting on the ground or hopping about without any sign of their parents.

“This is perfectly normal, so there’s no need to be worried. These fledglings are doing exactly what nature intended, and left the nest deliberately a short while before they are able to fly.

“However tempting, interfering with a young bird like this will do more harm than good. Fledglings are extremely unlikely to be abandoned by their parents. Just because you cannot see the adult birds does not mean that they are not there. The parents are probably just away collecting food or are hidden from view nearby keeping a watchful eye, or even been frightened away from their youngster by your presence.

“Fledglings should be left where they are, in the care of their own parents.”

The RSPB said people should be especially careful interfering with young owls as their parents can attack and cause injuries.