Wildlife carers at Secret World are offering help and advice to residents in the Burnham-On-Sea area who may spot a bird in trouble.
The wildlife rescue centre, in East Huntspill, takes in hundreds of injured and orphaned birds during the spring and summer months and the charity is helping people understand when and how to step in, and when to leave the animals alone.
Laura Benfield, head of animal care, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Birds come into our care for many different reasons. They may have been caught by a cat, flown into a window or perhaps their parents have been injured or killed, leaving a nest of orphans.”
“We’re here to help these birds and we’ll rehabilitate them and get them back to the wild wherever possible. Birds don’t always need our help though.”
“Well-meaning people sometimes bring fledgling birds to us who may not have needed rescuing.”
Laura urges anyone who is unsure to call Secret World for advice. “Fledglings can spend a few days hopping round your garden after leaving the nest and before they take flight.”
She added: “You can help them by keeping any dangers away, like your pets. If in doubt, give us a call for advice before intervening. If you do find an injured bird, avoid moving them if possible.”
“A blackbird with a broken wing won’t make lots of noise when you touch it because an animal doesn’t show pain in the same way a human does, but imagine if you’d broken your arm.
“You’d be in pain, you’d be upset, you’d want to move as little as possible, and you’d want to see a doctor straight away.”
“You might not know if a bird is in pain so our advice is to get any pets away from the area and call us at Secret World, or a local wildlife rescue centre or vet. We will know what to do.”
“If you do need to move and contain a bird while you’re waiting for help, you can carefully place it in a box with breathing holes in the lid and keep it somewhere warm, dark and quiet until help arrives.”
You can find out more about being a ‘WildLifesaver’ and meet some of the birds in Secret World’s care at the charity’s next open weekend, called Beaks and Squeaks, on May 28th-30th.
Readers can also get more wildlife-saving tips and download a free WildLifesaver poster at www.secretworld.org/wildlifesaver
If you need advice on what to do with a wild animal, you can speak to one of the response team on 01278 783 250.
