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Why can I no longer watch the birdies?
Q Can you tell me where all my little birds have gone from my garden? My pleasure was to watch the sparrows bathing and feeding, and the tits eating from coconuts hanging in my shrubs. They have now gone – but where?
Rita Jarman, Wednesbury, West Midlands
A You are not alone in missing the daily gathering of tits, finches, sparrows and other birds that, a few weeks ago, were regular visitors to the bird table.
The reason for their having ‘vanished’ is that many are moulting now and are vulnerable to predators, so they retreat into woodlands and hedges where they feel safe.
Another reason for our seeing fewer birds is that many have flown into nearby fields where cereals are being harvested and there is a good supply of grain.
As for blackbirds and thrushes, many are seizing the opportunity of stealing raspberries, currants and gooseberries, and it won’t be long before apples are on the menu, too. Happily, the birds we’ve enjoyed watching will return to our gardens when there is less food in the countryside and the weather gets colder.
Those that have remained ‘loyal’ to your garden will still need care, so keep providing them with fresh food and water, washing their feeding station and birdbath regularly to prevent the transmission of diseases.
