Discovering nesting birds in your garden

As we move through February and into March, bird nesting season starts in the UK. Discovering nesting birds in your garden can be a delightful experience, offering a glimpse into the wonders of nature.

However, it’s important to handle the situation with care and consideration to ensure the wellbeing of the birds and their offspring. According to the law, you can’t harm wild birds either, which makes handling them with care vital.

So, if you’re looking for helpful tips on how to handle the presence of nesting birds in your garden, we can help. Our guide should make navigating bird nesting challenges a little easier, so you can live in harmony with them. Read on to find out more.

Signs of nesting birds

Pay attention to signs that indicate the presence of nesting birds in your garden. Look for birds carrying nesting materials and making frequent visits to certain areas in your outdoor space. Agitated behaviour when you approach specific spots can also be a big indicator. Keep an eye out for nests in trees, bushes, or other secluded areas as well.

Respect their space

Once you’ve identified nesting birds in your garden, make an effort to respect their space and avoid disturbing them. Keep activity around the nesting area to a minimum, especially during critical times such as egg-laying and hatching. What’s more, try to be mindful of noise levels and sudden movements that could startle the birds.

Garden maintenance tips

Adjust your garden maintenance routine to minimise disturbance to nesting birds. Avoid pruning trees and bushes near the nest site, as this can disrupt the birds and potentially damage the nest. When tending to your garden, consider using tools such as a cordless hedge trimmer as it operates quietly and minimises noise disturbance. Schedule garden maintenance activities during periods when birds are less active, such as early mornings or late evenings.

Provide food and water

Support nesting birds by offering food and water sources in your garden. Install bird feeders and birdbaths in areas away from the nest site to encourage birds to visit them instead. Choose bird-friendly plants that attract insects and provide natural food sources for parent birds to feed their young.

If the nesting birds do prove too much of a challenge to manage, you can call for help from professionals like the British Pest Control Association. They’ll be able to safely remove the birds from your home and rehouse them in a place where they can nest in peace.