Bird behaviour

[hmsganges]

We have 2 house martins nests in our gables filled with babies, but have noticed that each time a parent tries to feed the babies they are mobbed by a gang of sparrows who line up on the roof awaitiong their arrival.

This is the first year that this has occurred. Has anyone else had the same experience?

[heathfield]

To keep the sparrows from bothering the youngsters, some people hang lengths of string in front of the nests. This deters the sparrows, but allows the martins to fly up naturally under the string to the nest

[daisya]

Never heard of this, what a shame it's happening. I can only think that food is scarce for them to behave in this way. Poor birds, I love them all but nature can be cruel and sadly it's not always the ideal world is it. I hope things get sorted for the babies poor little souls.

[hmsganges]

Many thanks for both your responses. I'm afraid that we are not capable of climbing up to the roof to attach string! One thing the birds are not short of in our garden is food!