I received two comments about sparrowhawks –
Thomas said,
I don’t think you can ever blame natural predators for doing what they do naturally.
Songbird numbers have declined because of changes in our farming and living practices (lack of food and nest sites) and probably due to ever increasing numbers of cat ownership (there is stong evidence cat predation takes millions of songbirds each year), none of these are natural controls in this country.
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Liz said,
When I visited the RSPB website and phoned to ask for advice, I found them more interested in the welfare of birds of prey and the introduction of more of them into the area (which is highlighted in our local paper and seems to come under ‘conservation’), although they did send me a fact sheet detailing ways to deter sparrowhawks, like hanging up CD’s from trees, which hasn’t worked. We have also a problem with crow/rooks/ravens which swoop on our baby birds which have flown into our garden to be fed by their parents.
[ad#125x125square]I am very interested in knowing more about ‘Songbird Survival’ and any ways to protect baby birds from predators.
With reference to cats – I have a high fence which I have nailed ‘anti-cat’ rubberised prong lengths which stop cats from gaining access. I am so glad to find people concerned about garden birds. Cheers. Liz
Sparrow hawks are a nightmare in the garden. We had 6 pairs of blackbirds & the sparrow hawk had the lot, plus a pair of thrushes. We also had 22 collared doves & it had every one. When it has cleared the garden out it just leaves – to find another garden to desimate.
We have tried to grow things around the bird table, & put obstacles up so the sparrow hawk cannot just swoop in & take feeding birds.
The RSPB has a lot to answer for – these vandals have to be checked.
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