Pigeon chicks found on doorstep

The 22 chicks were left at the home of a duck keeper in Clackmannanshire

An animal charity is caring for 22 pigeon chicks after they were found in Clackmannanshire.

The Scottish SPCA said the squabs, aged between a few days and a few weeks old, were anonymously left on the doorstep of a local duck keeper last week.

It is thought their nests were destroyed by someone carrying out building or garden work.

The charity has used the discovery to remind householders that it is illegal to disturb an active bird's nest.

Scottish SPCA Inspector John Chisholm said: "It's possible that someone has cut down a hedge or repaired a roof in an old building without realising there have been nesting birds.

"The gentleman who found them keeps ducks so it may be that whoever collected the nestlings knew this and thought that he might be able to rear them.

"However, the best ones to rear baby birds are their parents and they should not have been disturbed."

Mr Chisholm said that under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 all birds' nests were protected and it was an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb an active nest.

He added: "Anyone considering external house repairs or tree work should ensure that the area is free of nesting birds before attempting any work."

The baby pigeons are being cared for at the charity's Wildlife Rescue Centre near Dunfermline, Fife.

The first of them are expected to be released in the next six weeks.