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Who Doesn't Like Birds ?

greyjaybee
24/04/2015 19:03
I have an on-going problem with my next door neighbour, who for some reason has been trying very hard to stop birds coming to my bird-table, for some time now. She's employed just about every trick in the book, including spinning sparkly things, huge spinning pairs of eyes placed all over the garden, windchimes, ratlley clanking objects...all of which seemed to have little effect happily, so I just ignored it. Lately however no less than 3 of those electronic bird scaring devices have appeared, placed quite close to the b/table. (we share an open plan front garden area, with only an imaginary dividing line and no fence atall). So far I have moved the feeder as far away as I can from her 'efforts'to discourage my birds but this is starting to feel like intimidation. I dont want to stop feeding as I so enjoy seeing the birds coming and feeding and love that I am helping Nature in some small way and anyway why should I ! I'm at a loss now really and cant even speak to the person because she has in the past been verbally abusive and told me she wishes I would leave, so no chance of addressing whatever issue she has. I have 3 large laurel tress in huge pots between us and the birds use that for cover and dont go into her garden atall so this does seem to just be vindictive and quite irrational behaviour designed to bother me. But what on earth can I do...I'm wondering if she is doing anything illegal, although I presume not as these things are all in her garden. I guess she just hates birds, perhaps all wildlife...this might be the case as she has no less tan 3 rat bait boxes left in a ditch behind the property here...left there 24/7 x 365 days a year. I'm actually feeling rather desperate and clutching at straws but is there anything, anything atall, anyone can advise that I might do...aside from moving, which I am unable to do currently. The properties belong to the local authority and they are not interested in this issue atall. Has anyone else here encountered this kind of hostility toward what is a completely innocuous pastime.
In dog we trust.
  • 24/04/2015 19:09

    It's enormously sad but she clearly doesn't like birds - and what's even worse is that she isn't committing an offence unless she disturbs them as they're nesting.  Are you allowed to put a fence up?

    Our herring gulls are red listed birds.  Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.

  • 24/04/2015 19:18 in reply to Clare

    Thankyou Clare...yes isn't it dreadfully sad....I did ask the Council if I could erect a low fence with the idea of putting tall shrubs in pots all along it and blocking her view. I figured that might stop this behaviour...but alas they state it has to remain 'an open amenity area', although tenants all tend their respective areas and consider them their own. So no fence.

    In dog we trust.
  • 24/04/2015 19:25 in reply to greyjaybee

    I wish councils would allow for the fact that all of their tenants have a wide variety of tastes.

    Our herring gulls are red listed birds.  Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.

  • 24/04/2015 19:57 in reply to Clare

    Sadly, in my experience nowadays, councils and housing associations are primarily interested in revenue...and not really atall in their tenants well-being.

    In dog we trust.
  • 25/04/2015 02:26 in reply to greyjaybee

    Hi greyjay, it sounds to me as if she may be reacting this way due to a rat problem if you say she has had to put bait boxes out and perhaps doesn't want you putting seed out for the birds in case they attract vermin, however, it would be more helpful if she could discuss her concerns rather than seek unneighbourly options.  I'm sorry you can't have a discusion with her as  I'm sure you could come to some mutual agreement concerning how best to enjoy feeding your birds without fallen seeds attracting mice or rats.   Perhaps you could write a polite note and drop it in her letterbox voicing you are willing to discuss options should she be concerned that the bird food attracts vermin.   Good luck, hope you can get this issue resolved.

    _____________________________________

    Regards, Hazel 

  • 17/05/2015 07:19 in reply to HAZY

    Hi, and really sorry to hear this. I had the same problem with my neighbours until a 6ft fence was erected to halve the gardens, but the scally next door has jumped the fence at least once to pull plants and flowers up and throw my alpine strawberries out of their troughs (and they won't grow now). Also had my front window smashed by them.

    This sounds personal, like she dislikes you. If she won't discuss it with you I would seriously suggest making a harassment charge against her or telling the police about her threatening behaviour. Might be the only way. Once my neighbours realised I wasn't afraid to report them, they backed off a bit.

    Denise