FAQs
How do I start birdwatching?
If you are new to Bird Watching and wish to find out whether it is right for you, what you will need, along with the support you can get, take a look at the links below:
Remember, members of the Group are always on hand to help and advise you. Join one of our guided walks with a birding specialist who can help you come to grips with this fascinating hobby. If you have spotted a bird that you are struggling to identify - let us know and we will help you. Please send details of your sighting to the Bird Recorder.
What should I do with an injured bird?
Please refer to the advice of the RSPB - see below:
For most injured birds, place them gently in a box and keep them quiet, dark and cool. It may be that the bird is in shock and will soon recover so you can let it go. If it is more seriously injured, this will reduce stress on the bird until you can get advice on how you can help it.
You could contact the Isle of Wight Bird Rescue (Facebook Group) for domestic birds and wild bird rescue.
The RSPB does not have bird hospitals or a rescue service because they are a conservation charity. The RSPCA (England and Wales) your local vet or a local animal rescue centre, have the expertise to help and advise you about sick and injured birds and animals. The HelpWildlife website also offers advice on what to do and provides links to wildlife rescues near you.
What should I do if I find a bird a live or dead bird with suspected bird flu?
Firstly, do not touch the sick or dead bird. Current official guidance is outlined in the links below:
What should I do if I find a dead Bird of Prey
The public have a huge role to play in the fight to protect birds of prey. If you see suspicious activity, find evidence of illegal traps or find a dead or injured bird of prey in suspicious circumstances, please:
- Call the police on 101.
- Call the RSPB's Investigations Team on 01767 680551 (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) . Reports are treated in the strictest confidence.
- If you have information about someone killing raptors but wish to remain anonymous, call the RSPB's confidential Raptor Crime Hotline on 0300 9990101 or report it online at rspb.org.uk/reportacrime.
Further information can be obtained by clicking on the links below:
- RSPB - Exposing bird of prey Persecution in the UK
- Raptor Persecution UK
- UK National Wildlife Crime Unit
What should I do if I find a fledgling?
In spring and summer, it's common to find young birds sitting on the ground or hopping about without any sign of their parents. If you've found a baby bird and aren't sure what to do, follow the RSPB's advice by clicking on the link below: