Lancastrians have been warned by the RSPCA to leave fledgling birds alone if they see them on the floor.

The society said that at this time of the year it was deluged with calls from people who mistakenly think that a young bird has been orphaned or abandoned.

In many cases the bird's parents are waiting and watching nearby as the fledgling is learning to fly.

The society also called on cat owners to fit a bell collar or sonic collar to their cat as there is research to suggest that these cut down the number of birds a cat can catch.

Rob Atkinson, RSPCA head of wildlife, said: "It is important that people realise they can do more harm than good if they don't follow the simple rule of leaving alone and thinking very carefully."