Baby birds

Unknown said:

Hi Sooty, we aren't quite out of the baby bird season yet. Woodpigeons and collared doves have a habit of prolonging this.

I'm still ringing clutches of Swallows, Tree Sparrows, Stock Doves and numerous other nestlings and fledglings.

I personally think this thread should remain visible all year and deserves to be permanently locked.

The RSPB was absolutely inundated with calls relating to baby birds. This takes valuable resources away from the important issues.  If people have access to online information, this will alleviate the pressures from those who are recieving all the calls and e-mails.

I know there was a lot of emotions voiced over certain threads and posts and a number of members didn't agree with the RSPB policies and stance, also the advice these members were given by myself and moderators seemed to cause some members to feel as though there was a great division on the forum.

I also think that a lot of people don't realize the RSPB isn't a welfare organization and doesn't support or offer advice on what to feed and how to hand rear nestlings or fledglings. 

I'm also well aware that there was a number of members who felt as though they had to intervene and rescue these fledglings that were in imminent danger!!!! and were merely seeking advice when asking the questions on the forum.

I personally can't reiterate that the best advice is leave all nestlings and fledglings alone.

If you have intervened and taken in a nestling or fledgling then the best advice is to take it to a professional rehabilitator.

Buzzard