Where have the birds gone?

Disappearing birds:
Lots of calls are still coming in about the disappearance of birds from gardens. At this time of year birds do start to moult and can go into hiding. Moulting is a process of shedding and regrowing feathers. Adult birds are shedding their worn out feathers from this year's breeding season and growing new, strong, warm feathers to see them through the winter. This year's young are losing their first feathers and moulting into their adult coats.

Moulting Blackbirds:
Lots of reports of brown-headed Cowbirds. They are a North American passerine which are very rare vagrants to the UK with only a handful of records. They bear a striking resemblance to moulting juvenile blackbirds which at certain stages can be black with a brown head.

Birds trapped in buildings:
Inexperienced juvenile birds and reckless birds of prey have been widely reported from distribution centres and car showrooms nationwide. Once they are in, they are very difficult to get out as there is no easy solution. We would suggest letting as much natural light in as possible this will allow the bird to exit safely though an open door or window.  Sparrowhawks and other birds of prey sometimes fly into warehouses following their prey. A simple way to entice them out is to place a yellow or orange duster in a crumpled heap by the entrance door and leave the area quiet. Soon enough the bird will investigate or catch what it thinks is potential prey and will end up flying out.