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| |  | Help Prevent Bird StrikesEvery year hundreds of thousands of birds are sadly killed by flying into windows. The majority of these strikes are against patio, large ground floor windows and conservatory windows. It is generally known that birds fly into windows as they see the relection displayed from the window and think they are flying towards that reflection. Windows however are not the biggest killer of birds, cats and motor vehicles are the largest cause of bird fatalities.You can help reduce potential bird strikes by following the points below.1) If you have blinds draw or raise/lower by only half the length of your window or cover your window completely.2) Alternatively if a particular window is receiving strikes draw your curtain for that particular window during the day if feasible.3) Use Anti Bird Strike Stickers.These come in various designs and are quite effective against window strikes. |
 | Nesting Site ProtectionIts a sad fact that every summer millions of nestlings are killed by cats, Magpies and other predators like Grey Squirrels and rats. Although having up to 3 broods a season helps many species recover sufficiently, many more are needlessly killed through bad choice of nesting site and other factors.Although it is hard to stop nest predation completely extra measures can be adopted in the protection of nesting birds and their young. If for example you site a nest box on a fence or trellis the addition of chicken wire can act as an extra barrier helping the nest and stop any threat of abandonment too. Remember the 6 feet or 2 metre rule as a mimimum height benchmark though when putting up nest boxes on garden fencing or trees.In our images the homemade Blackbird nesting box has had a small section of chicken wire secured by plastic coated garden wire to the fence. As the ivy (top of fence in image) grows it should cover the wire but leave enough space for the Blackbirds to access the nest box by growing across/down the wire. With the wire placed like this any inquisitive feline can not access via climbing the hedging in front of the fence even if it is attracted to the nest by noisy nestlings. In 2010 the nestbox was unoccupied however a robin had built a nest ON the roof in the ivy above so the nest box had worked in a small way. This summer 2012, 3 years after the nest box was erected the surrounding foilage has covered the box sufficiently to hide the box from predators and at the end of the nesting season we will see if the box has had occupants.Hiding nest boxes in ivy and thick shrubs is a good way of overcoming predation of nesting sites. Under roofs of outbuildings is another great predator proof site. Placing wire like this in your shed at a regular nesting area will help also. Another tip can be to close the shed door and leave a small window open or make a small hole in the corner of the roof area as an alternative access point.(Top image) Side view of protected Blackbird nesting box showing space for the adult bird access.(Middle image) Front view of same nesting box showing the barrier created by the wire to stop attack from the front. (Bottom image) A Wren nesting pocket fixed on to a small trellis and as a result well hidden by the ivy growing all around the pocket. |
 | Build a Nature or Log PileNature or log piles are another much welcomed habitat that host many mammal and insect species and are easily constructed. Nature piles can be made from unused roofing tiles, corrugated iron pieces, stone, gravel or practically anything about the garden. Small mammals from rodents to frogs and hedgehogs may readily use any recess or space available. The design can be as uniform or simplistic as you want.The nature piles in the images were constructed from small branches placed in a wigwam shape and left in the corner of a garden and a wooded clearing. For the bottom image covered in dead ferns...simple. Another proven design is to lay medium width and equal length cut branches horizontally then vertically then repeating the process upto about 3-4 feet in height, then covering with small branches and then branches with foilage, making sure there are many access gaps for your garden visitors. |
 | Get Goldfinch, Siskin and Redpoll into your GardenGoldfinches must rate as one of the most beautiful of our native finches. As the name suggests the majority of its colour is gold and yellow but the striking contrast with the red, white and black of the head makes this bird stand out on your bird table, if you are lucky too have them visit.If you don't have goldfinches at your feeding station then they can be quite easily tempted by the addition of a niger/thistle seed feeder and time. As goldfinches fly in flocks, if one flys in it is most probable that others are nearby waiting. Similar species who enjoy niger/thistle seed are Redpoll, Siskin and Greenfinch plus one or two of the tit family mainly Blue and Coal tits. For more information on our Niger/thistle feeder range go to 'Meet The Droll Yankees Family' in information and then click on the image that will let you see the feeders available. |
 | Nesting Pockets- How to make them last! The addition of a piece of plastic sheet or bag can help a nesting pocket last considerably longer. In the image a tall nesting pocket has had the addition of a section of old seed sack wrapped around it and then secured with a small nail. The best area to site pockets is in quiet and secluded areas prefably under ivy or similar nearby cover. |
 | Woodpecker HabitatsDead and decaying trees are fantastic habitats for insects and birds alike. Woodpeckers are just one of many species that will spend considerable time searching surfaces and cracks for insects. They will also spend hours pecking holes for nesting sites, so if you have a dead tree in your garden and are thinking of cutting it down think again.The tree in the left of this picture is a dead Beech tree badly damaged by past storms and strong winds, the other a mature deceased Scots Pine.The Scots Pine has had all the main upper branches cut off leaving the trunk standing. The first image had a Greater Spotted Woodpecker occupant the second a Greater and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker as a result of being left standing. Many species of insect like woodlouse live within its bark too. |
 | Feeding SafetyIs your feeding station safe and secure for your garden birds?Adding a small fence around your feeding station can help protect ground feeding birds like thrushes, blackbirds, Collared Doves and finches from hunting cats. Also where you place your feeding area is important in limiting cover for any potential attacks too. Try a less dense area of your garden.(Top image) In our photograph a small plastic coated wire mesh fence has been placed around the feeding station the fence has been secured using ordinary garden cane sections. (Bottom image) Close up of fence. |
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