STAFF at the RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre are being kept entertained by nine orphaned owlets.

 

Two of the cute baby birds were taken to the centre after falling out of their nest.

Dr Bel Deering, centre manager at the specialist RSPCA wildlife rehabilitation facility, said: “Unfortunately, it was impossible to return them back to their nest and as they were too tiny to climb back up themselves the decision was made to take them into our care.

 

“Both owlets were suffering from dehydration and flystrike but as you can see, are doing very well now and will be returned to the wild once fully feathered and fit.

“Sometimes baby birds do need our help but other times they would be better being left alone, although we appreciate it isn’t always possible to know if they do need help or not.

“We advise watching from a distance and not returning the bird to its nest as that may disturb any other youngsters.

"If the fledgling is in immediate danger, place it in a sheltered spot a short distance away.

“If you see a baby bird with a few feathers, or none at all, it is a nestling and will not survive for long outside the protection of a nest - in which case take it to a local vet or wildlife rehabilitator.”

Despite the lockdown, RSPCA rescue teams are continuing on the frontline as designated key workers and the charity has launched an emergency appeal to help it continue to rescue, rehabilitate and release the animals most in need through the crisis.

Since lockdown, the RSPCA has responded to more than 11,000 incidents about wildlife.

The charity is appealing for donations via its website - click here to help.