Nestbox cameras
More and more people seem to have nestbox cameras so this is generating lots of enquiries about the behaviour of nesting birds, blue tits in particular. Incubation, nest building, predation and conflict with other species (including bumblebees) have all been asked about.

 

Discuss this in the nestbox forum

 

Ducklings


Still more nesting ducks and now they are starting to hatch and getting all over the place - including one report of some hatched young on a seventh storey balcony, and many more worried about the long distance from the nest to water. The best advice is to let mum lead the ducks away, give her a hand to cross roads if you can but in most cases she knows what she’s doing – More information here

 

Fledglings
Young blackbirds, robins and the rest are starting to fledge. It’s common to find fledglings hopping about the ground and unable to fly – this is perfectly normal and, unless they are in immediate danger, please leave them alone! Mum and dad will be back soon and they’ll carry on as they were – more information here

 

Racing pigeons
A few strays are starting to be reported – if you find one in your garden it’s probably hungry and thirsty. Give it some water and some seed and hopefully they can get on their way after a little rest. If not, these birds need to be reported to the Royal Pigeon Racing Association, either through their website or by calling 01452 713529

 

Hoopoe sightings
A few genuine reports of hoopoes around the country. These exotic looking birds turn up in the spring, occasionally in gardens – not your usual garden bird! More info here

 

Matching pair
We occasionally get reports of two male robins feeding young. Some people assume the female robin doesn't have a red breast but both male and female do. They can be very difficult for humans to tell apart - fortunately the robins can……