New home makers in my garden

[ExiledWool]

I'm hoping that a pair of blackbirds are going to nest in my holly tree this year. A male has been hanging around for some time now and tonight, a pair where having a viewing (not sure which estate agent though )

I see a lot of watching coming up over the next few nights to see how this develops.

If they do nest, what can I do to keep my cats away. The fact that it's a holly tree is already a good deterrent but is there anything else?

[Phoebe]

Hi Exiled Wool, maybe you could put some chicken wire around the base leaving plenty of room, not too high just high enough that your cat can't get over. Just to protect any chicks that might fall from the nest. Don't know what else you can do but keep an eye on things.

[natureguy]

Hi Ew, I think phoes idea is a good one if you put it about 6 inches out from the trunk losely held up by canes then it will be too wobbly for the cats to climb to get near the trunk. I do this with an apple tree. Also if theres anything surrounding the tree, fences etc you could put some rubber spikes along the fence so that they cant walk along and then into the tree.

These are the types of spike I mean.

Fort Knestbox

[smartie]

We have blackbirds nesting most years in our hedges front and back, and experienced adult birds are pretty good themselves at keeping the cats away. One of my cats was so intimidated by them last year that she wouldn't go out of the front door at all for fear of getting dive-bombed.

If the holly tree is near your house prepare to be harrassed yourself if you walk too close

[ExiledWool]

It appears there may be competition for the holly tree. A blackcap is spending plenty of time sitting in it inbetween feeds.

I think this may develop!!