Hi. I have a quite a large flock of starlings(about 200) that roost in a laurel tree in my garden. The tree is considerably overgrown and needs cutting back. What is best time of year to do this as I don’t want to do anything that is prejudicial to the birds
many thanks
That's a tricky one, but I guess the advice would be that any pruning of trees and hedges is best done in winter before the nesting season, certainly before February. I wonder if doing it in stages - cutting back a bit one day then gauging the reaction of the flock before cutting back a bit more the next - might be one approach? It might not work, as some people actively aim to stop birds roosting and one piece of advice suggested removing a third of the canopy would be enough to force them to seek other trees! Good luck whatever you try, but please do report back as it would be interesting to know what you decide and the result.
Thanks Adam. Unfortunately it’s such a big job I am having to get a tree surgeon in so will be done in a day. Thankfully we live in area with many trees and it is very rural so I’m sure they will probably choose to roost in another tree of mine or if not they won’t be short of choice but I agree that nesting season is to be avoided.