Lack of birds  - has the cold killed our birds?

Following on from the recent prolonged cold stint of snow and ice many queries have related to concerns that all our birds have died through starvation and exposure. The weather brought with it an overwhelming number of reports of species such as redwing and fieldfare coming into sub-urban and urban gardens desperately in search of a meal as well as other farmland bird species such as buntings, pipits and wagtails.

Even though winter does indeed kill many birds through starvation, it is important to acknowledge that this is a perfectly normal part of the annual life cycle in wild bird populations. The losses will soon recover by virtue of bird’s high breeding potential.

The present milder weather will lead to dispersals back out to the wider countryside. So, a sudden lack of birds is not necessarily explained by mass deaths. Many species groups such as tits and finches will be tied up in flocks until establishing breeding territories in the spring. Which means you could have lots or very few visiting your garden. Discuss this

Remember to record the birds visiting your garden for one hour over the weekend of the 30th and 31st January as part of this years Big Garden Bird Watch 

 

Hi Ho it’s of to work we go.. It is still not to late to get nestboxes up in the garden. In fact it’s never to late really! Not only are they beneficial during the breeding season but also provide good shelter during the cold for roosting.

Check out the full range of RSPB nestboxes here. The website is also packed full of advice for helping birds and nestboxes. If your considering making your own boxes the BTO nestbox guide by Chris de Feu offers detailed instructions and advice for 24 species which are most likely to nest in garden spaces. Also, register to our Homes for Wildlife project for tailored tips on managing your greenspace’s for birds and other wildlife. Discuss this

 

Birds nesting in roofs, in January? I can hear strange noises in my roof and have noticed birds entering gaps under the eaves of my property, so are they nesting? This is a common question in recent weeks. Usually if you notice birds entering roof spaces, it will be starlings or house sparrows.

In the vast majority of circumstances at this time of year, it is very doubtful that they will be nesting although it’s important to double check before considering getting repair works done if required. The breeding season will be well under way by March and active nests are protected to varying degrees under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. If unsure, it is important that the relevant government department is consulted for up to date legal advice before any action is taken.