The Scottish SPCA is advising people in Clydebank on what to do if they find a baby bird that seems abandoned.

Last year the charity cared for more than 5,000 fledgling and nestling birds, and 2019 looks set to be even busier.

The charity said although some young birds are rescued because they are injured, many fledglings are in good health, but are picked up by worried passers-by when they should be left alone.

National wildlife centre manager Colin Seddon said: “A fledgling is a fully feathered young bird that is typically found out of the nest learning to fly, which is normal.

“It’s 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 for fledglings and the parents are very likely to be nearby, watching their young make their first efforts to take to the skies.

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“We would ask anyone who has concerns to try to monitor the fledglings from a distance to see if the parents appear within a couple of hours.

“If it does seem a baby bird has been abandoned or orphaned, you should call our animal helpline for advice.

“If a fully feathered young bird is in harm’s way, on a road or somewhere it could be vulnerable to predators, then it may be possible to move them to a safer spot in a nearby hedge or tree.”

Colin advised that although finding a fledgling on the ground is normal, finding a nestling on the ground is not, adding: “An unfeathered or fluffy bird is a nestling, and if found on the ground needs our help immediately.

“Anyone who comes across a nestling on the ground should contain it in a small, ventilated box and call our animal helpline immediately.

“Under no circumstances should anyone who discovers a nest try to touch or move the fledgling or nestlings inside. This is illegal and could cause the parents to abandon them.”

See scottishspca.org/babybirds or call 03000 999 999 for more info.