Record number of residents across Bucks Beds and Herts seek guidance to help baby birds

As the peak 'baby bird' season approaches, the RSPCA is gearing up for a surge in inquiries from animal lovers in Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire eager to assist feathered babies.

Last year, the RSPCA's baby bird advice webpage saw a record 30,865 visits in just two months, with May and June recording 13,468 and 17,397 visits respectively.

This influx of inquiries translates to nearly 500 individuals daily seeking guidance on how to aid baby birds during these important months when they are nesting.

In Buckinghamshire 159 calls and reports were made in from 2021 to 2023, while in Bedfordshire there were 164, and 254 inquiries were made in Hertfordshire.

Geoff Edmund, RSPCA Lead Wildlife Officer, said: "Spring is a wonderful time of year when we can all enjoy nature, but a busy time as well for birds that are nesting in our gardens, our hedges and our woodland all around."

"A bird's nest really is the family home, it's the home that the birds build to lay their eggs, the eggs to hatch, and once you get to fledgling stage, when they've got the feathers, they're nearly flying, they're just about ready to leave the family home."

"I think what's important is that we really want to cherish and enjoy and look after wonderful wildlife we've got, and all the birds we've got."

"What's really helpful as part of that appreciation and enjoyment is to think where these birds have come from, some have had a long flight from sub-Saharan Africa and we want them to be successful."

"If we understand more about the the background to all these birds we've got, it becomes even more wonderful."

While some should be left alone, others may need a little help, with the RSPCA releasing a guide to distinguish between nestling birds, which lack feathers and should be re-nested if feasible, and fledgling birds, equipped with feathers which are often best left undisturbed as they may still be under the care of their parents.

The RSPCA has this advice:

Nestlings

• Where possible nestlings should be placed back in the nest (make sure it’s the right one) and left in the wild so their parents can keep caring for them - wear gloves and wash your hands afterwards.

• If you still have concerns visit their for more information about how to contact your local vet or wildlife centre.

Fledglings

• It’s normal to see them on the ground, as they leave the nest just before they can fly.

• Unless they’re sick or injured, leave the fledgling alone and monitor it from a distance for at least two hours, as the parents are usually nearby and feeding the bird.

• If they're in immediate danger, place them in a sheltered spot a short distance away.

• Even if you have already confined a healthy fledgling, you may still be able to return them to their parents.

• Keep your pets, and other people if possible, away from them.

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