WHEN Mike Roberts spotted a baby pigeon dying on the ground next to his garage door, he knew he had to step in.

The 61-year-old realised that the bird had fallen from a nearby tree and noticed that another squab from the same nest had been killed – the weather at the time was torrential rain and high winds.

So he decided he would take it upon himself to hand-rear the pigeon, who he has called Fred.

Mike, who lives in Covingham, said: “When I saw the baby pigeon it was in a huddle and looked very subdued and anxious.

“I picked it up and gave it some cheese and mealworms and searched the internet to find tips and advice on what to do.

“I decided to call him Fred as it was the first name I thought of and it just seemed right.”

Fred is three weeks old, which means he still needs help with feeding and wing exercises.

The retired engineering salesman has been hand rearing the bird.

This involves preparing and cutting food into small bite-size pieces, he then carefully opens Fred’s mouth and puts the food inside.

He has been put on a diet of mealworms, cheese, high-energy bird pellets, raisins, sweetcorn, strawberries and his favourite blueberries.

Mike joked: “I think he eats better than I do.”

Since the arrival of Mike's furry friend he has already created a perch in a cardboard box for the pigeon to sit on.

Fred also grips onto Mike's hand and rests on top of his shoulder.

Mike said: “There has been a lot of care and attention to look after him, but it has been a truly rewarding experience that other people have also enjoyed.”

Neighbours of Mike's have been around to see Fred, and he has even been taken outside perching on Mike's shoulder as he walks around the neighbourhood.

“I know it will be a difficult day when I take him to the wildlife centre, but I know that he will receive the very best of care and attention.

“In a short period of time he will most likely be released back into the wild to fly and roam as free as a bird.

“It’s important that he can have the company of other pigeons.”

Fred will be taken to Oak & Furrows Wildlife Centre in Cricklade.

They have the expertise and facilities to help young pigeons to develop and practice their flying prior to their release back into the countryside.