THE RSPCA received 1,200 calls from residents concerned about baby birds found away from their nests last year.

Now, the charity is offering advice on how to tell the difference between a nestling and a fledgling, and what to do if you see a baby bird out of the nest.

In 2018, the animal charity received 9,163 reports, nationally, from members of the public concerned that lone young birds they had spotted away from the nest needed help.

Most of last year’s calls (7,839) related to fledgling, which are older baby birds that are starting to fly. The RSPCA says fledglings can generally be left to be cared for by their parents. Since 2014, there has been an 80 per cent rise in the number of fledglings that have been brought into RSPCA centres.

The remaining 1,324 calls about young birds related to nestlings - the very young baby birds - who will not survive out of the nest.

It is these that are more likely to need help.

RSPCA scientific officer Evie Button said: "It is 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 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, Evie says, these very young birds should be taken to a vet, or a local wildlife rehabilitator.

Failing that, contact the RSPCA emergency line.

She added: "We also provide advice on how to safely catch, handle and care for the nestling until it can be taken to an expert.

"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.

"It is likely the parents are nearby and will still be feeding the bird.

"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 emergency line is 0300 1234 999.