‘Balls of fluff’ Llanelli sparrowhawks rescued by RSPCA Cymru
The orphaned birds are progressing well in RSPCA care, having been found on the ground in the West Wales town and away from their nesting place.
Four stunning sparrowhawk chicks have been rescued by RSPCA Cymru, after the “balls of fluff” were found on the ground in Llanelli, away from their nesting place.
A member of the public found the chicks on Wednesday (28 June), putting them in a cardboard box and confining them, before they were collected by the RSPCA.
The cute chicks were provided temporary care by the charity in a heated cage, fed with zoolyte, before being transported to a specialist wildlife facility at West Hatch for rehabilitation.
West Hatch Animal Centre will now support the sparrowhawks, in the hope they can be released back to the wild, possibly in around four weeks time.
RSPCA Cymru is also guiding the public to advice sheets highlighting what to do if baby birds are found.
Ellie West, RSPCA animal collection officer, said: “These stunning sparrowhawks were found on the ground in Llanelli, away from their nesting place and their mother – so it would seem these balls of fluff were sadly orphaned.
“Often it’s best to leave birds found alone in the wild, as they are not orphaned and it is likely that the parents will take care of the bird. However, in this instance, these Llanelli sparrowhawks needed help.
“Rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife is an important part of the RSPCA's work, and I’m delighted we were able to help these birds.
“The sparrowhawks have been progressing well at our specialist facility at West Hatch, and are being tweezer-fed. It’s hoped they’ll be ready to feed themselves fairly soon, and will be moved to an aviary at this point, in the hope they’ll be released to the wild in around four weeks or so.”
Should you wish to help the RSPCA rescue animals like these, you can give £3 now by texting LOVE to 87023 (text costs £3 + one standard network rate message). We are a charity and rely on public donations to exist.
For information on what to do if you find a young bird you think might be orphaned, visit:
www.rspca.org.uk/
