The Scottish SPCA has warned the public their good intentions could be doing “more harm than good” to young birds this spring.
The nestling and fledgling season in Scotland is now under way but many baby birds have ended up in the Scottish SPCA’s care when they should have been left alone.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity is caring for over 100 ducklings, baby birds and fledglings at its Wildlife Rescue Centre in west Fife.
Although some of the young birds were rescued because they had been abandoned or were injured, others are in good health and were picked up anyway.
Rescue centre manager Colin Seddon said, “It is understandable for people to be concerned when they come across a young bird on the ground that appears clumsy and unable to fly.
“However, this is a vital part of the learning to fly process and the parents are very likely to be nearby, watching their young making their first efforts to take to the skies.”
Colin asked that members of the public who were concerned about the well-being of baby birds to monitor them from a distance to see if the parent birds appear.
“Under no circumstances should anyone who discovers a nest try to touch or move the fledglings inside.
“This could cause the parents to abandon them and would also be illegal.”
For further advice call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.