Hawthorn Question

Morph · #1 (**permalink**) 12-12-2008, 05:14 PM

During the spring and summer some of the Hawthorn hedges near me were covered with a black fine netting, I thought it was some kind of protection for the fruit to grow but they are still on. Anyone got any ideas as to whats going on ?

Hedge Witch · #2 (**permalink**) 12-12-2008, 05:24 PM

Possibly to prevent something grazing on the hawthorn leaves.

No idea really. Would like to know though.

Susie · #3 (**permalink**) 12-12-2008, 05:42 PM

Is this definitely a man made netting? If it is not put there by someone doing an enviromental study then I think it should probably be taken down as it sounds quite dangerous for birds.

Could you leave a note by the netting asking what it is for? Perhaps someone will write an answer for you. Failing that I would fold the nets up and leave them at the base of the bushes.

ron1863 · #4 (**permalink**) 12-12-2008, 05:47 PM

I hope it isn't someone trapping Bullfinches or Goldinches. My dad bred Canaries and they used to cross breed them with several types of small wild birds.

davidbr · #5 (**permalink**) 12-12-2008, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ron1863

I hope it isn't someone trapping Bullfinches or Goldinches. My dad bred Canaries and they used to cross breed them with several types of small wild birds.

Sadly, I think your guess might well be right

Draping invisible (to the birds) netting over attractive fruit trees is certainly a very crude method that I've heard of being used in the past to trap finches & other small passerine birds. The idea is very simple; the bird goes to land in the bush and instead is entangled in the netting; if it's very lucky, and isn't one of the vast majority who die of broken wings/legs etc or just from exhaustive struggling, the trapper then collects it for a (very short, usually) life in captivity.

The last account I'd heard of this abhorrent practice was from my grandfather back in the 1950's, so I'd really hoped it'd died out in the years since. Besides being very, very illegal it's also totally pointless, because a wild-bred bird can never make an effective caged pet, and needless since a whole range of species are available these days from licensed breeders (which I still disagree with strongly, but it's better than the old-fashioned alternative)

Morph, if you see this happening again this coming spring I'd advise you to call the police immediately (be very careful if you decide to challenge any of these animals yourself - their lack of respect for life doesn't only apply to the birds they slaughter).

Hedge Witch · #6 (**permalink**) 13-12-2008, 05:40 AM

I'm appalled be this. As usual, I'm far too innocent for my own good, but getting wiser every day on this site

Stuff them and their evil ways, I'd be straight out to get that netting and mess their plans up for a while. If challenged I'd be straight over to their vehicle taking down the registration.

OMG, I just can't believe it.......

Hedge Witch · #7 (**permalink**) 13-12-2008, 05:42 AM

The landowner must know what's on his land, no?

shei111 · #8 (**permalink**) 13-12-2008, 01:50 PM

Id cut his nets to threads, that will teach him.Then report it. sheila

nightshade · #9 (**permalink**) 13-12-2008, 02:29 PM

You could be in trouble if you damage the nets, report your suspicions to the police,they should have a wildlife officer. The local wildlife trust may benefit from being made aware of this netting as well

epops · #10 (**permalink**) 13-12-2008, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidbr

Sadly, I think your guess might well be right

Draping invisible (to the birds) netting over attractive fruit trees is certainly a very crude method that I've heard of being used in the past to trap finches & other small passerine birds. The idea is very simple; the bird goes to land in the bush and instead is entangled in the netting; if it's very lucky, and isn't one of the vast majority who die of broken wings/legs etc or just from exhaustive struggling, the trapper then collects it for a (very short, usually) life in captivity.

The last account I'd heard of this abhorrent practice was from my grandfather back in the 1950's, so I'd really hoped it'd died out in the years since. Besides being very, very illegal it's also totally pointless, because a wild-bred bird can never make an effective caged pet, and needless since a whole range of species are available these days from licensed breeders (which I still disagree with strongly, but it's better than the old-fashioned alternative)

Morph, if you see this happening again this coming spring I'd advise you to call the police immediately (be very careful if you decide to challenge any of these animals yourself - their lack of respect for life doesn't only apply to the birds they slaughter).

Dont think its died out there was some one near here not long back nicked for selling wild caught birds and he's an established breeder !