OVER 100 calls were made across Berkshire last year regarding concerns that young birds had been spotted away from their nest.

In 2018 The Royal Society for the Presentation of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) received 9,163 reports about young birds needing help.

In Berkshire 95 calls related to fledglings, which are baby birds who are starting to fly were made and 19 about nestlings who won’t survive outside the nest.

Since 2014 there has been an 80 per cent rise in the number of fledglings that have been brought into RSPCA’s centres.

Evie Button, RSPCA’s scientific officer said: “It’s wonderful that people want to do the best for our wildlife, but sometimes it’s difficult to know when to intervene and when to hold back.”

The animal charity have produced a printable step-by-step guide that explains the types of situations where babies of common garden birds need help.

Ms Button added: “The first step is to identify whether the young bird is a nestling or fledgling.

“Nestlings are baby birds that have no feathers, or very few because they will not survive long outside the protection of the nest, these very young birds should be taken to a vet, or a local wildlife rehabilitator.”

The RSPCA are reminding people that fledglings should be left alone.

Evie said: “Fledglings on the other hand have all or most of their feathers and leave the nest just before they can fly.

“Unlike nestlings they can also perch, hop and walk.

“If one is seen away from the nest, it should be left alone and watched from a distance for up to two hours to ensure the parents are returning.”

The charity is also advising people that you should not try to return a bird to its nest.

Ms Button added: “We advise never to try to return a bird to the nest as this may disturb the other young birds and may be illegal.

“If a fledgling is in immediate danger, it should be placed in a sheltered spot a short distance away.”

The RSPCA suggest there are a few exceptions including tawny owlets, who can climb back up into a nest.

For more information, visit: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/orphanedanimals/youngbirds.