Ask RSPB Wildlife Enquiries: your May questions answered

Finding a Mallard nesting in your garden can be a real surprise, but it’s actually more common than you might think! Female Mallards often pick quiet gardens away from ponds or lakes to keep away from overly eager males.

If you find a nest, the best thing to do is to leave it be. Mum knows what she’s doing. She might leave the nest every now and again which is normal while she’s laying all her eggs. She’ll only start properly sitting on them once her clutch is complete to ensure that all eggs hatch at the same time. The ducklings will hatch around 28 days later.   

Once the ducklings hatch, they’ll need to get to water within 48 hours. Usually, the mother will be fine to take her ducklings to the nearest water source, even if it’s a couple miles away.

In most cases, it’s best just to keep an eye on them from a distance and help them across any danger points, such as busy roads. However, if your garden is fenced in or there's a busy road nearby, the little family may need a helping hand.

Many welfare organisations have advice on how you can safely help the family to water, but this must be well planned and prepared to prevent the mother from panicking and abandoning the young. If you come across ducklings that have been abandoned or if you are not comfortable taking the mother and ducklings to water yourself, please contact a local wildlife rescue via helpwildlife.co.uk for assistance.   

Spotting a young bird on the ground during spring or summer can be a bit alarming, but in most cases, there’s no need to worry. What you’ve likely found is a fledgling; a young, fully feathered bird that’s left the nest and is learning the ropes outside. At this stage it’s building up strength in its wings and learning how to forage food without the help of its parents.  

As much as you might want to help, taking it in isn’t the answer. In fact, it could do more harm than good. Although you can’t see the parents, it doesn’t mean they’re not around! They’re likely hidden close by or out foraging for food. Most fledglings don’t need rescuing, but instead need to be left alone to crack on with growing up. During this time, please keep people and pets away, leaving the fledgling undisturbed and in the care of its parents.

However, if the bird is tiny, un-feathered or covered in soft fluff, this bird will need some assistance. You can try gently popping it back into the nest (but only if you’re certain which nest it came from).

If it’s hurt or you are sure it has been abandoned, it’ll need proper care. The best thing to do is to contact a wildlife rescue via helpwildlife.co.uk and let the experts take it from there. It is really important to remember that birds can take far better care of their young than humans can. Taking baby birds into captivity can drastically reduce their chances of long-term survival. 

For specific information about how to help different species please take a look at the RSPCA’s baby bird advice.

Most of us are familiar with the burst of early morning birdsong, signalling the arrival of spring. But why do birds start singing so early? There are a few fascinating reasons behind it.

This spectacular phenomenon is known as the dawn chorus. As beautiful as it may be, taking part in the dawn chorus has its purposes. The dawn chorus is mostly about defending territory and attracting mates. It’s typically the males that do the singing, and it is no small effort – singing loudly at dawn (especially after a cold night) takes a great deal of energy. Only the fittest and best-fed males are able to sustain such powerful songs. In doing so, they’re showing potential mates that they’re strong, healthy, and capable of holding a territory. At the same time, their song acts as a warning to rival males, telling them the area is already claimed.

Interestingly, birds don’t all start singing at once. There’s a natural order to things, with some species beginning earlier than others. Robins, Blackbirds and thrushes are usually the first to break the silence in the pre-dawn gloom. They’re followed by Woodpigeons, Wrens and warblers, and as the sky lightens, birds like Great Tits, Blue Tits, sparrows and finches gradually join in.

If you want to hear this early-morning spectacle, you can catch it just about anywhere (as long as you are up early enough!). The best places are woodlands, parks or out in the open countryside. The dawn chorus peaks between March – May. You can read more about the dawn chorus here.

A passionate wildlife lover who’s happiest exploring the natural world – spotting birds, exploring woodlands and hiking up mountains. I care deeply about nature conservation and love doing my bit, and encouraging others to do the same – of course!