The cat brought in a small bird a few hours ago - I chased him outside and he dropped the bird under a shrub in the garden where it has remained ever since, moving about very little. The cat now seems content to watch from a distance after being warned off.

I think it's too small to fly, but it has a really loud squawk which suggests it's not too badly hurt. (I can hear it through the window as I type this!) I gave it some water from a straw which it swallowed, but I'm am not sure what else I can do.

I hate to leave it to die, which it surely will if it's not fed. Any suggestions what to do or is it beyond help? I'm not even sure what breed it is - maybe a thrush or a blackbird, but the only adult birds around are sparrows.

Put it up on a wall or a flat roof. The parent(s) will hear it calling and might come to rescue it.

At the moment it would probably roast! But a good idea for a bit later as the sun moves round.

I'll give it some more water (I'm no good at catching flies!).

All sorted. Took it down to a neighbour's who as it happened had some friends round, one of whom knew a fair bit about wild birds (as does my neighbour).

They put it in a hedge in a small box and soon after several male blackbirds came along to investigate. Then a female arrived so I guess it will be fed now until it flies.

I also got a nice cream cake and a glass of wine while I was there, so win-win.