I've found a sick/baby bird.  What should I do with it?

Unfortunately we do not have the facilities to care for injured birds; the RSPB is about protecting the environment so that birds and wildlife may thrive.

You could, however, try these suggestions...

• Young Birds
  In spring, when birds have had their young, occasionally one will fall from its nest. If this does happen, please do not touch the bird unless it is in a dangerous position (where a cat can get it or near a road, or other hazard). Then please put it in a bush or on some high point where its parents can locate it.
• Injured Birds
  If the bird is injured please contact your local wildlife hospital, such as Cedar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kirby-in-Ashfield (phone: 01623 468112). Or you local RSPCA.

What should not be fed to birds?

Many foods are fine for feeding to birds, but some things must never be used.

• Peanuts are fine but never use salted or dry roasted nuts.
• When feeding Coconut always turn the halved nut over to let the coconut milk drain out for a time and never use desiccated coconut.
• Never give birds milk as they cannot digest it and it can lead to death.

I've seen a rare or unusual bird.  What should I do?

By all means let us know, but the people who really need this information are the County Bird Recorders. If your sighting was in Nottinghamshire then the person to tell is Andy Hall, his E-Mail address can be found on the Nottinghamshire Birdwatchers web-site.

HARDLY ANY BIRDS ARE COMING TO MY GARDEN, WHERE ARE THEY?

There has been a decline in some songbirds for a variety of reasons  eg changes in farming and building practices. Changes can occur locally due to winter weather, gardening fashion, cats etc. Birds have seasonal changes in behaviour too, food is more plentiful in autumn so they may not come to the feeders. Do keep putting it out though in safe parts of the garden as they are likely to return.

Do not cut hedges during the nesting season ie March – August.