I have a blackbird in a box in the conservatory at the moment. It flew into the window with a heck of a thump and I felt sure it would be dead within seconds. I brought it into the warmth. He's still alive and no damage but badly shaken. As soon as he moves about I'll let him go.
God above I've got a male chaffinch in a box now. I know it's nature but I'm getting fed up with the pair of sparrow hawks that are hunting in this garden. I was seriously thinking of taking the feeders down but perhaps not feeding the birds might kill more than the hawks, especially in this weather.
You have my sympathies @Uff, I've been in that situation recently myself. I guess our Sparrowhawk must have found better pickings elsewhere because he eventually moved on.
So many birds coming to the feeders at the moment, with Siskin numbers currently matching the Sparrows.
Clay soil - Cheshire/Derbyshire border. I play with plants and soil and sometimes it's successful
The siskins have just arrived back here VictorMeldrew and I really look forward to them coming. My problem is that I feel as if feeding the birds I'm setting up a sitting target for the hawks. I know it's silly of me but that's the way that I feel. There are times when they swoop they send the little birds flying into the windows and I end up with 2 dead birds at my feet. Anyway, the blackbird and chaffinch are still alive but not moving much at the moment.
@Uff keep them in the dark in the box for about twenty minutes to half an hour in a quiet place, this usually does the trick. I learnt this when I volunteered at a wildlife centre in the UK.
Yes, thank you floralies, I learned that years ago and it's saved many birds' lives. It took the blackbird longer to recover but they are both away now and pleased to be free no doubt.
A question please anyone? Just back from a walk up in the wood and spotted this ash tree with a nest does anyone know what has been or is about to nest here? It's a big nest, no crows in the area. I'm assuming it might be a buzzard or even a red kite.
It certainly looks like one BobTheGardener. Oh god, I hope not. I know they are becoming more prevalent in the area but I don't want them getting their paws under the table so to speak. Thank you for the info.
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When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
So many birds coming to the feeders at the moment, with Siskin numbers currently matching the Sparrows.
I play with plants and soil and sometimes it's successful
Anyway, the blackbird and chaffinch are still alive but not moving much at the moment.
A question please anyone? Just back from a walk up in the wood and spotted this ash tree with a nest does anyone know what has been or is about to nest here? It's a big nest, no crows in the area. I'm assuming it might be a buzzard or even a red kite.