Joined: 28 Oct 2004 Posts: 25795 Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism
Posted: Sat May 14, 05 7:44 am Post subject: Nest box attacked!
I've just discovered our nestbox full of happily chirping chicks has been attacked overnight or this morning!
Nothing has managed to get in but the sides, top and hole have been scratched and chewed. Judging by the scratches it's a squirrel. Two blue tit parents are still about and may not leave the nest so all may not be lost.
So now's the time for action. If the neighbours were more understanding I'd shoot the grey squirrels as it would be safe to do so in our garden but I think I'll have to use a humane trap and despatch them out of site.
In the last few years we've had a couple of birds nesting each year but each nest has been attacked and it makes me wonder how much damage is being done by pests. I've planted a rich supply of thorny bushes when we moved in but it will still be a couple more years before this extra cover will be useful.
I will also install a metal plate to the front of nest boxes in future together with some more active pest control and see if that helps.
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