Bits of moss

Hi,

Thank you for this space. A couple of questions.

I have a ground feeder in a roof terrace, which is visited mainly by robins, great tits and sparrows. I notice that bits of moss keep appearing around the little dish with the seed. I understand birds use moss as nest material, but why do they collect moss in winter in this way? 

My other questions is about Pied wagtails. I encounter them in the middle of the busiest pavement on the high street where I live. How best to help them? What best to feed them?

Thank you very much

  • Birds are already prospecting for nesting areas/places, but the moss may have been flicked there or scratched up by blackbirds - they are pretty good at flicking it off roofs or out of gutters when looking for insects/. 

    Pied wagtails love urban spaces in winter, these tend to retain some warmth which means that small insects are about and busy pavements make happy foraging area - human movement will disturb small flies, spend a little time watching them and seeing how they are hunting, a quick scurry and grab. Motorway service stations can be great for watching them as well.

    Cin J

  • Thanks a lot Germain for taking the time to reply

    this helps a lot