ChatterBank1 min ago
Writing on the wall for wild birds
19 Answers
It is an unescapable fact that wild birds are in serious decline in many parts of the country. 8 years ago I recorded 17 species of bird in my garden. Now it is almost void of all species apart from the occasional blackbird robin and sparrow. Feeders and fat balls put out for them rot and even start sprouting due to lack of use. There are many reasons for this but with 11 million cats in this country (RSPB estimate), how can we expect birds to avoid decline? Why on earth do people allow their cats to roam free? Which other animal is allowed unrestricted predation of our precious songbirds? Housecats are obviously no problem, but it is estimated (again RSPB) that 250 million prey items are taken by cats each year, mostly at dusk and dawn. The recent harsh winters are obviously a factor, as is predation by other bird species such as the magpie. Ironically, the RSPB has questions to answer re reintroduction of raptor species such as the red kite and hen harrier. Where these birds enjoy success, songbirds simply disappear. When did you last hear a skylark or a yellowhammer? However, the cat population has to be the most serious concern, given that a single female can produce 30 or 40 kittens a year. SO KEEP YOUR CAT INDOORS, HAVE IT STERILISED OR BEST OF ALL DON'T KEEP A CAT AT ALL! Unless of course tou WANT a silent colourless spring!!!
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For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.Have to agree baker 210, it is very depressing to see the number of song birds declining.
But there are some success stories amongst the gloom. I do hear Skylarks up on the SouthDowns and Red Kites are fantastic birds which mostly scavenge or take carrion and I love to see them in our skies.
Cats are a different story. At the very least I believe they should have a large bell on their collar to give their prey a chance. And I used to keep mine in from before dusk till well after dawn when birds are at their most vulnerable. And longer during the mating season when the fledglings were about. But it's a divisive subject I'm afraid.
But there are some success stories amongst the gloom. I do hear Skylarks up on the SouthDowns and Red Kites are fantastic birds which mostly scavenge or take carrion and I love to see them in our skies.
Cats are a different story. At the very least I believe they should have a large bell on their collar to give their prey a chance. And I used to keep mine in from before dusk till well after dawn when birds are at their most vulnerable. And longer during the mating season when the fledglings were about. But it's a divisive subject I'm afraid.
A bit harsh on we cat owners. I have four cats all of which are indoor and only one of whom occasionally ventures outside into the yard. I have bird feeders and feed the birds daily all year round. If your cat goes outside the idea is to feed them well before they are allowed out, and also after the majority of birds have fed in the mornings, and bring the cats indoors in the evening before sunset. I don't live out in the countryside but in a small town and I have lost many of my feathered friends to sparrowhawks and magpies, the blame doesn't necessarily all lie with the pet cats. I had a sparrowhawk fly into the living room window after my cat who was just sitting there (on the inside) - the hawk had a blackbird in it's beak at the time! The bird I am happy to say, escaped. I believe a lot of environmental factors also contribute to the decline in our bird numbers the loss of our hedgerows, pesticides etc.
All my cats are rescued and have all been "done" I like to think I'm a responsible pet owner, and the only one who ventures outside rarely moves farther than a yard or so from the backdoor, well away from the bird feeders. Anyway the alternative was worse than the cats. I lived next door to a pub whose cellars backed onto my living room and we were gradually being infested with mice - I preferred the cats, as best beloved refused to have a dog. I've always been bird friendly, and the feeders are placed so that the birds have a clear sight of any predators, while there is also plenty of cover for them, as there seems to be a growing number of magpies around here. I have sparrows actually nesting somewhere in the wall of my house they come and go via an old waste flow pipe.
More are being lost due to loss of food supplies due to the use of pesticides...loss of habitat including large native trees and the miles of hedgerows ...displacement by other species including woodpeckers being driven out by parakeets in the south...
Last year my garden bird count when I still had a garden (20mins from centre of Birmingham) was 31 types as well as swifts and housemartins flying over and a tawny owl pair in neighbours trees
The loss due to cats is not as great as many think.... but the sparrowhawk took a fair few and the magpies and squirrels took fledgelings
Last year my garden bird count when I still had a garden (20mins from centre of Birmingham) was 31 types as well as swifts and housemartins flying over and a tawny owl pair in neighbours trees
The loss due to cats is not as great as many think.... but the sparrowhawk took a fair few and the magpies and squirrels took fledgelings
I had a cat for 20 yrs and she was so effectionate and loving . But I swore i'd never get another since i've been so into bird life. Next door neighbours have 3 cats and i find myself watching them like a hawk and rush out to shoo them off.
Luckily her cats are not too much of a problem, as they seem to scarper when they see us now. They are beautifull cats and neigghbour says to just shoo them out so I feel lucky with her being understanding about it.
Luckily her cats are not too much of a problem, as they seem to scarper when they see us now. They are beautifull cats and neigghbour says to just shoo them out so I feel lucky with her being understanding about it.
Totally agree Baker! We feed the birds every day - it costs an arm and a leg to feed them but worth every penny for the pleasure it brings. Twice this week we have chased off an evil sparrow hawk - we hate them and also hate the cats who chase the little birds into a panic in our garden until they often fly into our patio door glass windows.
Can the birds not go nest in the undeveloped countryside ? If, as a species, they opt to take the advantages of urban living, then they run the risks too. Those species that evolve to be most suited to their environment, thrive.
Not that I'm unsympathetic to the cat / bird problem, but it looks like some are tending to go over the top.
Not that I'm unsympathetic to the cat / bird problem, but it looks like some are tending to go over the top.
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