A BABY blackbird was saved by one caring neighbour, who found the little bird lying on the ground.

Charlotte McWilliams spotted the little bird on her way into her house in Great Harwood, and took her in, before calling for help.

The blackbird was lying by a tree, but the 24-year-old could not find a nest. A neighbour gave Miss McWilliams a box with shavings to keep the baby warm.

Miss McWilliams said: “I spotted this small yellow beaked thing crying in the grass. I put my dogs away and called my partner to sort them out, as I went to see what it was.

“When I realised it was a little bird, I picked it up immediately as I know our street have cats and it wouldn’t be safe.

“However, we couldn’t find a nest as there are various birds living in our area and there were no visible signs of a nest.”

Every Feather Rescue in Bolton arrived to take the bird. The blackbird, who they named Dotty, was fed and updates were posted for Miss McWilliams to see.

Stephanie Williams, who runs the group, said: “At this time of year, we get a lot of fledglings brought to us that could have remained where they were. Obviously if the bird is bald like Dotty, or even partially bald you will need to pick it up.

If you don't know where the nest is the first thing you need to do is keep it warm. If the baby bird gets too cold it will start to shut down and even if later warmed up it might be hard for it to regulate its own temperature.”

A fully feathered bird that cannot fly is probably a fledgling. Ms Williams recommends to leave the bird where it is If it is safe, and watch from a distance to see if the parents are coming to feed it.

It is also important to contact your local rescue centre.