At this time of the year, the RSPB would like all your readers to stop and think, before they pick that little baby bird off the ground, "Am I a bird?"

Last year the RSPB received about 200 calls over the spring and summer months from people, who, having rescued birds, didn't know how to look after them.

While a very thoughtful and caring gesture on many people's part to try and look after a chick which may have fallen out of its nest, the truth is that nine times out of ten, their parents are around and are waiting anxiously for you to go away so they can tend to their chick.

Please, if you see a chick, which isn't in immediate danger, leave it alone! The brutal truth is that you are not a bird and won't know how to look after it.

More often than not, "rescued" birds will have low survival rates and the experience can be more heartbreaking than exhilarating.

The RSPB would also like to remind the public that disturbing a

bird's nest is a criminal offence while it is in use or being built. During the breeding season (March to August inclusive), removing nests from roof spaces or the side of a house is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, unless there is an overriding health and safety reason, and can attract heavy fines of up to £6000.

For more information about birds during their breeding seasons, please visit our website: www.rspb.org.uk or call RSPB wildlife enquiries on 01767 680551.

Hilary Wilkinson,

RSPB Wildlife Advice Officer