Distressed Bird (possible pidgeon)

[spotddog]

Dear MN. I am hoping you can offer advice on this.

Bird, think it's young, appeared on our enclosed patio/balcony this afternoon. It had been moved from another balcony to the roof. I found it fixated on its reflection in a window. Poor thing is huddled, facing into a corner and looks miserable. Does not react when I move close but not guaranteed it will remain calm.

A small amount of water has been consumed but am unsure if chopped blueberries, orange and chia seeds have been eaten.

RSPCA suggested placing in a box and taking to local vet by car. I don't have a car, unsure of location of local vet and have care responsibilities so cannot just take off.

Any advice / suggestions. We are in West Central London. Not comfortable posting on NextDoor.

Thanks for your time.

Looks like a fledgling pigeon, not really liking being grown up.

I'd leave it with a box on its side for shelter in case the parents come back, but really, it's natural for some to not make it.

I'd say fledgling pigeon also. Agree with leaving a box for it to shelter. hope it gets it strength then finds its way.

Had similar years ago and the burden of responsibility is huge so I know how you're feeling, I left the water and cardboard box, had to go out all day, came home and it had shat everywhere and died. Sorry.

You can put a post on your local Facebook group and someone will probably point you in the right direction.

Might be worth contacting RSPCA again and explaining you don't have a car and so are unable to get it to a vet. They may be able to collect it, or they or you contact a vet that could have a member of staff collect it.
Also, maybe Google and see if there are any Wildlife charities that could take it. Sometimes they will come and collect...even if quite far away.
I hope manage to find someone empathetic to help. Thank you for caring

I was talking to a lady I visit who has repeat pigeon nests in a tree in the garden.
as a pp said, I guess it’s normal for some not to make it.
Miraculous really that many do - the parents have to (as far as I know) decide that the baby birds are ready to fly and then give them a shove out of the nest!? Or do the babies decide for themselves?

thankfully as humans we don’t have to make such life changing decisions and our babies toddle round for ages before working.

I’d feel a bit sad in your position - not much you can do let’s hope he or she gets their confidence up…

I once took a fledgling pigeon that had been attacked by a cat to the vet. The vet inspected it and said a few missing feathers won't hurt, put it back in the bush and let nature take its course. The receptionist/vet nurses audibly laughed at me as I left. I felt like such an idiot!!!!

The RSPCA famously dont give a monkeys. The chance of them intervening over a pigeon is nil.

Please contact London Wildlife Protection https://www.londonwildlifeprotection.org/ 07909795064.

Please do not take the bird to a vet. Vets don't have pigeon expertise and will most likely put her down. She's too young to be out on her own.

Thank you all so much. Fell asleep ( up since 5) apologies for late response.

I'll find a box and hope for the best. We had a dead pigeon on a ledge last summer, heat killed it. All pigeons moved away from it.

If it lives overnight I'll try putting it in a more open area or try contacting wild life people. Couldn't identify any earlier, only RSPCA.

Thanks Heaps, if it's still alive in the morning will contact them.

Did a quick run to supermarket when I secured part of a box. Have put it, with nest of tissues, beside my birdie friend in the hope it hops in. At least it will provide shelter as it is keeping corner cosy.