Is there anything I can do to protect the blue tits?

[chappie]

For the past few days I've been well-chuffed to see a woodpecker on the tree in my very wildlife friendly garden.

We've a nest of blue tits quite close, and I have seen on Springwatch tonight, woodpeckers are predators. I'm worried now, that the woodpecker is going to take them.

Is there anything at all that I can do?

Thanks for reply.

[mattie]

Not sure what you can do about this situation, but I heard about someone putting up nest boxes with a hole small enough for the blue tits to get in and out of, and then fixed a metal plate (with a hole in the middle) over the wood, so the woodpecker couldn't get in.

[chappie]

That's a great idea, thanks very much mattie.

[chappie]

Hi IAP,

Thanks for your reply.

You got me wondering if I misheard, because we have a lot of tits in our garden, so I have just Googled it and found that woodpeckers are predators. And this particular nest is close to the tree. I'm hoping the woodpecker can find enough food without turning to the tits' nest. I know some folk would say "leave it to nature" but I'd be sad to see anything happen to them.

[alfieblue]

The metal plate is a great idea. Read an article week or so back (with a picture of the woodpecker) where a chap had to reinforce the blutits house with metal plate - and still the woodpecker tried to drill his way through!! He caught it on camera!

I have also heard of people sticking 2 pence pieces around the entrance to the nesting box (leaving enough room for the bluetits to come and go) - seems another good idea to deter the woodpeckers.

Hope all goes well. :o)

[chappie]

Hi alfie,

I like the 2 pence idea - I'll definitely do that.

Thanks for reply.

[tigerlily11]

Oh lucky you Chappie. i hope you can look after him/her. They are lovely. One nearly caused me an accident the other day because I haven't seen many in my life time. He was on the side of a tree by the road and I was so busy looking at him I nearly hit the car in front. Silly me.

[chappie]

Hi tigerlily,

It's a mixture of pleasure and worry - it's great to see the woodpecker, I just wish he wasn't so close to the tits!

Fingers crossed they'll be okay.

Thanks for reply.

[alfieblue]

I have never been lucky enough to have a woodpecker in my garden but will be reinforcing nesting boxes anyhow when chicks have flown. Dont really like to deter any wildlife apart from the odd exception -. often hear a woodpecker nearby tapping and drilling away! Perhaps he will visit soon!!

Dont think i could manage metal plating but will try the coins! It seems the easier option!!!

Hope all goes well chappie. :o))

[chappie]

Thanks alfie.

[alfieblue]

Just reading my nature book again!!! (Cos im no expert!)

Apparently at a push the green woodpecker will eat grain, acorns, apples, cherries and other fruit!! If all else fails, try some of these titbits for woody. Just a thought - though you may find you have a few more feathered guests to contend with!!! Hopefully though he will find enough food/insects etc and will be quite satisfied with his lot! :o)

[chappie]

Thanks for that, alfie.

There's lots of food available in our garden (it's an absolute haven for wildlife) and the tit box is quite well hidden in the ivy, so with a bit of luck all will be okay.

I've seen him several times and he's not shown any interest so far, so fingers crossed.

[KRUSTYMAN]

I'm really jealous of everyone who has said they have woodpeckers in their garden or around locally. The only ones I see reside in the local crematorium. Fortunately I don't mind visiting and like the wildlife I enjoy the peace and quiet. As for the Blue tits I think you're going to just keep your fingers crossed until the birds have fledged and moved on, and then armour plate your Tit box. Love the 2p piece suggestion - I'm definitely going to make a note of that suggestion just in case I ever get lucky.