ANIMAL lovers are urging people not to help baby birds which they find seemingly defenceless on the floor.

The Northern RSPB Wildlife enquiries team is urging people not to intervene as it could reduce the survival chances of the birds.

Kate Whitehead, of the RSPB Northern England Region, said: “It’s vital that people resist the urge to intervene.

“This is a natural part of the bird’s development, so keep your distance and step away.

“Just before baby birds are ready to tentatively extend a wing they leave their nest. Fledglings then spend a couple of days on the ground developing their final flight feathers.

“The fledglings appear fully feathered and spend these days hopping around gardens hence why so many members of the public are convinced they need rescuing.

“Another common fear is that the fledgling has been deserted by its parents. However, fledglings are extremely unlikely to be abandoned.

“The parents are probably off gathering food, or more likely hiding nearby with a beady eye on their young, waiting for you to back away.”

The charity, though, is advising that people should move birds found on a busy road or path to a safe spot nearby.

Injured fledgings should be reported to the RSPCA on 0300-1234999.