02/06/2026
We had a baby gull brought in by a member of the public last night, which is now being transferred into the care of Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre. π We'd like to say a huge thank you to their team, who have kindly arranged for one of their volunteers to collect it and take it to their sanctuary for rehabilitation and release..π
This is a good opportunity to remind everyone that not every baby bird found on the ground needs rescued π£ and at this time of year, many young birds leave the nest before they can fly properly. These "fledglings" spend several days on the ground while their parents continue to feed and watch over them. Although they can look vulnerable, this is a completely normal stage of development.
If you find a young bird that is bright, alert and hopping about, it's often best to leave it where it is. π If it's in immediate danger, such as from traffic π, it can be moved a short distance to a safer nearby spot. The parents will usually still be close by and caring for it.
Wildlife should only be taken into care if it is injured, has been caught by a cat or dog, is clearly unwell, or is genuinely orphaned.
Before lifting a young bird, please consider seeking advice from a wildlife rescue centre. π Keeping healthy fledglings with their parents gives them the very best chance of thriving in the wild. πΏ
If you'd like to support the fantastic work carried out by Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre or a local wildlife centre near you, please consider making a donation. Wildlife rehabilitation centres are incredibly busy at this time of year and rely heavily on public support to continue helping animals that genuinely need assistance. π
https://www.hessilheadwildlife.org.uk/