How To Keep Wild Birds Safe From Attack

How To Keep Wild Birds Safe From Attack

For any bird-lover, attracting these feathered friends to your garden is certainly a rewarding experience. However, to ensure that you can enjoy the company of Blue Tits, Robins, Wrens and many more, you need to make sure that wild birds are safe from any potential dangers in your garden. For example, as one of their main predators, cats have a natural instinct to hunt and kill wild birds. Although you can't train or control a cat's behaviour to stop it hunting, there are in fact a few simple steps that you can take to protect these birds. By following these steps, you can keep wild birds safe from potential threats, allowing you to continue to bird watch, and allowing the wildlife to enjoy your garden space in peace. Cat ownersAs mentioned, you can't train a cat not to react to its natural instinct, however there are ways to control their behaviour and minimize the threat to wild birds. If you own a pet cat, keep them inside during the early hours of the morning when birds are more likely to be outside. If you are actively feeding the birds for example, make sure the cat is inside during this specific timeframe, so that they can't prey on them. Also, keep a cat's claws trimmed - they will find it more difficult to climb trees, catch, or hurt any of the wild birds that land in your garden. Collar bells can also be used to reveal the cat's presence, giving birds an advance warning to fly away to safety. A 2010 study from RSPB highlighted that this can actually reduce the predation of birds by 41% (*1). Bird loversWith an array of colours, song types and individual characteristics, it's no wonder so many of us are fascinated by the wild birds that arrive in our gardens. In order to keep them safe from harm you also need to be wary of your neighbour's pets and other predators too. A cat will stray beyond its territory to catch a wild bird and this means that they could try and enter your garden. Again in this instance there are a few simple steps that you can carry out to keep the birds away from danger. Preventative measuresIf you use bird feeders or bird baths, keep them a set distance away from thick shrubbery. Five to ten feet is a good starting point, as this will allow wild birds to spot danger sooner rather than later. Also, brush away any seeds, fruits or berries after feeding time from the surrounding areas so that cats aren't drawn to pick up the scraps and stay in the vicinity. Wire fencing can also be used in front of your plants and hedges for extra protection and see if you can spot any gaps in your perimeter fencing that may be an easy access point for domestic or feral cats. While you are observing your garden, check for any ground nests and birds that are particularly vulnerable to attack. If you do spot a nest, never try to remove it as the birds could become distressed. Instead, follow some of the tips below to keep eggs or the mother's young safe from harm. Dog, cat and squirrel repellentAnother way to reduce the threat of attack for wild birds is to use animal repellent. Scatter granules and sprays can be used within your garden to deter unwanted pets and wild animals. These repellents are enough to irritate cats, dogs and squirrels, but do not have any effect on wild birds. More information on the various types of repellent and also cage traps for pesky squirrels can be found on our . Using the best feedersBird seed, suet and peanut should not be placed low to the ground and instead should be fixed at a reasonable height to stop cats jumping up. At least eight feet off the ground will reduce the chances of a cat getting onto your feeder. Plastic or metal poles and baffles can also stop squirrels and cats from getting hold of the food and climbing up to reach it due to the surface material used. Although squirrels are unlikely to attack fully grown wild birds, restricting their access to the food means that there will be a fair share for all of the birds that visit your garden. From hanging stations and window feeders, to cat and squirrel resistant designs, make sure you find a wild bird feeder that will allow the birds to gain access to the food and keep unwanted predators at bay. Enjoying the wildlifeSo, to enjoy the array of wild birds in your garden, with the added peace of mind that they will be safe in your outdoor space, be sure to follow the steps above. By keeping predators out of harm's way and allowing the birds to feed without disruption, they will trust their surroundings, build up familiarity and be more likely to return again. In doing so, they can enjoy their food and you can enjoy the sights and pleasures that they can bring to your garden.

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