Two young blue tits flew through an open skylight into my house and settled together on a picture frame.
I expected them to fly away as I approached, but to my amazement they seemed happy for me to gently pick them up and take them outside.
The first stayed on my hand for a few minutes before flying to a nearby tree. I returned for the second bird who sat quietly in my palm, looked right at me then flew onto my shoulder as though to whisper something in my ear. It was so close to my face I nearly burst with excitement, I could feel its energy on my skin.
We had a little internal chat, a meeting of hearts if you will, then after several minutes when it was still showing no signs of moving, I gently took it from my shoulder and moved it to a safe place in the garden. It looked about then quick as a flash flew into the tree to be with its sibling and the pair disappeared down the garden.
When wildlife stumbles into our home it's a great opportunity to connect with nature. Whether spider, mouse, bird, moth or cockroach, we should take a moment to be present and appreciate every creature.
It's important to be confident with wildlife. Move slowly and quietly and help them to get back outside.
With fluttering birds I open all windows and doors and patiently leave them to find their own way out.
If a bird is stressed (if it has collided with a window for example), gently cover it with a tea towel to reduce its trauma. I then leave them in a safe place outside away from predators with the cloth open enough for them to easily escape when they are ready.
If you have a mouse in the house a welly boot provides the perfect vehicle to transport them back outside. Mice love a dark tunnel and in my experience will always scurry into the safety of a boot.
For spiders, butterflies, insects and most other small things a cup and a piece of card works well.