Could it be a fledgling?

Every year, rescue centres receive countless calls from well-intentioned members of the public who have discovered and contained a fledgling garden bird hopping around outside. In most cases, the best action is not to intervene unless the bird is obviously injured or ill.

The fledgling stage is a crucial part of a young bird’s development. At this point, fledglings are fully feathered, bright, and alert. Their parents are still feeding them, although you might not witness this while you’re nearby, as they don’t want to draw attention to their young. When they first leave the nest, fledglings need time to build up wing strength and learn to fly, which can make them seem vulnerable or even injured — but this is completely normal.

While fledglings are naturally more exposed at this stage, removing a healthy fledgling from the wild actually puts them at a disadvantage. No matter how good a rescue centre is, nothing can match the expert care, feeding, and survival skills taught by their own parents and learned in the wild. Admitting healthy fledglings into rescue unnecessarily diverts resources from those birds who are genuinely sick or injured, and reduces a healthy bird’s chances of survival.

We understand how difficult it can be to leave a young bird alone, but fledging is a natural and necessary stage of life.

If the fledgling is in immediate danger — for example, if there are cats in the area — you can gently move it a short distance to a safer spot, such as under nearby plants or bushes to offer some shelter, but it’s important not to move it too far.

Please do not attempt to drip water onto its beak, as this can cause the bird to aspirate (inhale fluid into the lungs). You can also help by keeping pets away from the area.

If you notice injuries, the bird is not fully feathered, seems lethargic or “sleepy,” or has been caught by a cat, please contact a local rescue immediately. Even if you’re unsure, rescues are always happy to advise.

You can help us by providing clear photos, along with information such as when you first saw the bird and any concerns you have.

A wild upbringing gives fledglings their best chance, as rescue environments are stressful and survival is never guaranteed.

This advice applies to most common garden birds such as starlings, tits, blackbirds, and crows.

It usually easy to spot if a bird has a broken wing as the wing will likely be drooping, unsymmetrical with the other, or bloodied. These injuries will be incredibly painful, and we recommend taking them to your local emergency vet as soon as possible. Vets have a duty to provide pain relief and prevent suffering and should not refuse to see wildlife.

If you’ve discovered an injured deer on the roadside, you can also contact the police on 101, or in an emergency 999.

If you’ve discovered a deer trapped in a fence, you may be able to get assistance from the fire service.

Both these services have an emergency contact for our rescue should they need our assistance.