I've noticed fewer small birds in my Garden Birdwatch hour this year. I know the results form part of a statistical exercise but wonder if the local change might be connected with the presence of red kites in the area. We've had kites resident locally this year, presumably spread from the re-introduction at Harewood. I know red kites are carrion feeders but do they take small birds as well or could the kites just frighten some smaller birds? I've seen Rooks and crows mobbing the kites.
I regularly have red kites passing over my garden and I have noticed my hens hiding from them so I should think it would definitately frighten the smaller birds away!
Many of us get Sparrowhawks in our gardens , a species that specialises in taking small birds , it only scares away the other birds for ten minutes or so. I don't think the presence of Red Kites would have as much effect as Sparrowhawks. As you said yourself Red Kites are predominately scavengers.
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Thanks for that. Kate