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Tales from the Bird Table

Problems

If we attract wild birds to our garden the least we can do is make the place as safe as possible for them to feed.

 

Sparrowhawks are natural predators and apart from giving feeding small birds plenty of nearby cover, there is not a lot else we can do.

Cats can be a big problem. Most are quite capable of killing one or two birds a day, let alone voles, mice and shrews. Add that up and it means your average ‘innocent’ purring moggy lounging on your lap, could account for over 1000 small birds and mammals a year!

However unlikely it seems, one way to limit the damage is to get your own cat. That way it will tend to keep other cats away and you can limit its hunting time. Early morning and evening are peak bird feeding periods, so keep your cat indoors during those times.

If you do have a cat, do not ‘tame’ your garden birds by enticing them close to the house and people The results for a favourite robin are usually tragic.

Alternatively make your garden difficult for visiting cats to prowl. If you do not want to completely fence your garden plant prickly hedges instead. Both hawthorn and holly are very effective, especially holly as their fallen leaves deter most ground predators.

Battery powered electronic deterrents are also available.

Grey squirrels may look attractive but they can be very destructive. Not only will they take large quantities of peanuts and drive garden birds away, they also raid nests and take eggs. These squirrels are not part of our native wildlife and can also damage your house by getting into the roof as well as stripping bark from trees.

Squirrel proof feeders are available in a variety of designs.

Chemical sprays can easily contaminate bird food and drinking water so be very careful about their use. If they must be used always follow the instructions carefully.

 

 

 

  images C Nicholas@ vine house farm