We had several species of birds visiting our garden and feeders but in the last three weeks they've all but disappeared. We have already deterred next door's cat with water pistol and electronic cat deterrant. Why could they have gone?

The breeding season has commenced.

Some birds (particularly Long-tailed tits for us) have dispersed to breeding sites. Others are busily building nests, brooding eggs, etc. Insect life is more abundant, so birds are feeding on them, and will continue to feed their young on insects when eggs hatch about now or really soon; though I thought tits had to time their clutch to when oak buds open.

In a few weeks you should see birds returning, along with fledglings. But not in such large numbers as recently due to ever increasing abundance of food.

Hi tracy, birds are busy building nests and incubating eggs at the moment so it will be quite in the garden. The presence of the cat may have made them wary as well, they will be back

Snap, Angus!