Dying Honeysuckle

[Biccylova]

my honeysuckle seemed to be dying so I gave it a good haircut in the hope of reviving it, I notice now that some new buds have started to form, so think it may be ok, but what was wrong with it? oh thinks it could be to do with the flock of starlings that moved in this summer also we have a good flock of sparrows as well now, the honeysuckle is good cover for the blue tits and gold finches as it is couple of yards away from the bird feeders, so I want to save it if possible.

[woofgang]

were the leaves sting green and drooping or going brown and crispy? I doubt it was anything to do with the birds

[Chipchopper]

Has it been particularly hot and dry in your area, if so that's one possibility that can make them suffer.
The new buds sound promising, keep it watered well and a mulch of leaf -mould around the roots should also help keep it happy.
Powdery mildew can also thrive in these hot, dry conditions and is something to be on the lookout for.

[Biccylova]

well it was a bit powdery and also some parts were brown and lots of leaves fell off so a bit of both really, yes we have had a very dry summer here, no rain for a couple of months so thanks for that, I never thought of the weather being the problem as the honeysuckle has been in that spot for 16 years and I thought the roots would be so deep they would not dry out, I will take it bucket of water right now. thanks both of you.

[Ratty2E]

Could it be thrips?

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=876

They did for my honeysuckle and also featured in the demise of viburnum and pyracantha. I did get rid of them for a while by very drastic pruning and spraying but they kept coming back. Thrips and many other pests and diseases can be carried from plant to plant by the birds.