Birds

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Breeding bird surveys are best conducted in spring-early summer because this is when birds are most likely to be nesting. That’s not always the case so I will look at any time of year but may only get limited information. Barn owls, for instance, have been found nesting in every month of the year.

Hedgerows are ideal for nesting birds, providing ideal hiding spaces. If a hedge needs to come out I will advise on the best time of year for this to be done.

Most birds lay their eggs in nests, which can be found in trees, hedges, buildings, on the ground and even under the ground. Birds nests are often hidden until it’s too late. There are many activities that could negatively affect wild birds, especially during the breeding season. These activities include:

• Trimming or cutting trees, bushes, hedges and rough vegetation
• Renovating, converting or demolishing a building
• Creating disturbance such as noise, lighting or vibration
• Taking actions to prevent problems e.g. shooting birds or removing nests

All birds are offered protection by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which protects the eggs and nests of the birds. Some birds such as barn owls are listed under Schedule 1 of the amended version of the Act, which affords additional protection.

It is an offence to:

• Kill, injure or take (catch/capture or have in one’s possession) a wild bird
• Take, damage or destroy the nest of a wild bird, whilst the nest is in use or being built
• Take or destroy an egg of a wild bird
• Have in one’s possession or control a wild bird (dead or alive) or wild bird egg