How to supplort fledglings in the garden

Helping to keep fledglings safe when they have left the nest but are unable to fend for themselves is critically important. It makes a huge difference to their survival during this vulnerable time and allows parent birds to raise their young from the ground, just as nature intended.

Many birds hop out of the nest before they can fly and will spend up to a couple of weeks, hiding in bushes and feeding from the lawn under the watchful eye of their parents. This combined with a helping hand from humans can ensure they thrive. Here’s a few easy tips to support their fledgling journey:

Keep it wild

Make sure you leave some areas of the garden a little less manicured than usual with long grass, dense shrubs and unruly bushes.

Put the clippers away until nesting season is over. Fledglings need plenty of hiding places to give predators the slip.

Accessible food

Cut down on foraging time by offering some soaked, dry mealworms. They’re rich in protein and perfect for those growing bones and feathers.

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Suet pellets or crumbs, rather than hard blocks, are ideal on the ground. Place it near cover, rather than out in the open.

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Keep a drink close by

Fledglings often struggle to find water themselves so are at risk from dehydration. Minimise the risk by filling a shallow bird bath or dish to help with drinking and bathing.

Keep it clean and topped up, especially during hot weather.

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Protect from pets

Please try to keep cats in during the period between dawn and dusk. If this is not possible, fit a bell collar or create dense planting zones so that birds have plenty of space to hide in.

Give them space

Although it’s tempting to pick up a fledgling, particularly if you are worried that it might need help, it is best to leave them alone as parents are usually close by and watching.

The only time to intervene is if they are in imminent danger, from cat attack or traffic, for example.

Avoid chemicals

Do not use pesticides and slug pellets in the garden as they reduce the insects fledglings rely on and can be highly toxic.

When to step in

If you see a fledgling that is feathered, hopping around and alert, it is probably fine and exactly where it wants to be. However, if a bird is clearly injured, a featherless nestling or in immediate danger, you should contact organisations such as the RSPCA or local wildlife rescue.