Nesting blackbird dilema

[werdnal]

My hubby saw a blackbird making frequent visits to a pyracantha shrub we have growing up the front of the house, and on investigating this morning found a newly built nest. Unfortunately, perhaps due to inexperience, it is only a foot off the ground. We have two cats, plus others who regularly visit the garden, and in this vulnerable spot we are sure the nestlings will be discovered and dispatched very soon after hatching - in fact one of our cats has a favourite sleeping place only a few feet away from the nest site and I'm surprised this hasn't put the birds off building there.

We are now in a quandry. Do we remove the nest now, early enough to encourage the blackbird to build elsewhere and raise a successful brood without them expending too much time and energy on this fruitless cause, or should we ignore them and let nature take its course - but then domestic cats are not nature anyway?

Any advice appreciated. WWYD?

[Elizabeth B]

It's illegal to interfere - from the RSPB site:

All birds, their nests and eggs are protected by law and it is thus an offence, with certain exceptions (see Exceptions), to:
intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird whilst it is in use or being built.

More details here:
The RSPB: Wild birds and the law

[Doggle Avaddit]

Originally Posted by werdnal

My hubby saw a blackbird making frequent visits to a pyracantha shrub we have growing up the front of the house, and on investigating this morning found a newly built nest. Unfortunately, perhaps due to inexperience, it is only a foot off the ground. We have two cats, plus others who regularly visit the garden, and in this vulnerable spot we are sure the nestlings will be discovered and dispatched very soon after hatching - in fact one of our cats has a favourite sleeping place only a few feet away from the nest site and I'm surprised this hasn't put the birds off building there.

We are now in a quandry. Do we remove the nest now, early enough to encourage the blackbird to build elsewhere and raise a successful brood without them expending too much time and energy on this fruitless cause, or should we ignore them and let nature take its course - but then domestic cats are not nature anyway?

Any advice appreciated. WWYD?

Lets get this into perspective - Blackbirds can live up to 20 years (average is 3.4) and have up to 3 broods per year.

Don't break the law, it's there for a good reason. Just leave the birds to do their thing, please.

[JB9302]

I would leave them and not interfere , yesterday there was hell to play in mine and the neighbours garden as a local cat that is a skillful hunter entered the the bushes where I think birds are nesting .
There was continous alarm cries from several different species and the next doors dog was going berserk to get at the cat , but the cat knew the dog could not reach it as the dog was fenced in .
It took a good 10 mins for the commotion to settle , dont know what the outcome was but normality returned .
Its in the cats nature I spose , same as the dogs will kill the cats if they get a chance .

[tWITCH]

I have a similar issue pending. I know that Blackbirds are nesting in my conifer this year again and my back yard is turning into the local cat meeting place. Last year ended badly for the Blackbirds

Isn't there a spray that you can use to put cats off? Much like the spray to stop dogs chewing your door frames...plasterboard, remote controls, dials on washers, books, foot stools, TV controls (on the TV), and the TV stand itself! Sorry slight rant there, Storm my staffy was a git when she was a puppy. Didn't know about the spray then!

[jaykay]

I've recently bought a sonic cat repeller and this is aimed specifically at the bush where the blackbirds are nesting, so far so good, not a sign that the neighbours cats will even come in the garden now, much less go near the bush

[Cazzie]

I was going to suggest some wire mesh placed over the bush - but although this works well with smaller species of birds I doubt it would work with the size of blackbirds

You could try sprinkling paprika (or similar) in an arc around the bottom of the bush to deter the cats - or is that a bit cruel?? hehe - soz, not a cat lover!

[Doggle Avaddit]

I can understand why many people want to intervene and "help" these birds, but why do you think you are helping them?


Consider this: Blackbirds have many many broods in their lifetime, enough to be able to practice and lose a few, before getting it right. It could well be that they need to learn about predators as they go along and adjust their breeding methods accordingly, eventually building better nests in better places, and raising young sucessfully. This also ensures that only the best breeders/adaptors survive which best ensures the survival of their species.

Preventing the cats getting to this brood might just be denying these Blackbirds the knowledge and experience that nesting too near to cats can result in the loss of their brood. This might be a vital part of their early learning processes, of which you are attempting to deprive them of. You may well scupper any chance they had of becoming an excellent breeding pair, or conversely you may be promoting ignorance of predator traits into their gene pool.


My advice, if you really want to help the birds, is to think like a bird, not a human.

[Pippa]

Hi Werdnal,it is so good of you to be so concerned regarding the Blackbird.They build nests in the silliest of places and never seem to learn.

All you can do is leave well alone and keep your cats at bay, especially between dusk and dawn.You can only do your best.Fingers crossed for you

[Elizabeth B]

Originally Posted by Doggle Avaddit

.................This also ensures that only the best breeders/adaptors survive which best ensures the survival of their species..........................

Well said!