When do birds nest

You could ask why on earth they want to do that - surely they should wait until spring has arrived and the weather is kinder?

The answer lies in food. Pigeons and doves, such as the woodpigeon and collared dove, have no qualms about breeding young at any time of year. Nesting has been recorded in every month. Sometimes, birds can be induced to start building nests and laying eggs by unseasonally high temperatures. In Brighton, a brood of song thrushes left the nest in early January — meaning the eggs were laid in December Is this a precursor of things to come, with climate change having an detrimental effect on our wildlife?

Already, eggs are being laid earlier in the year, and summer visitors are arriving earlier and leaving later. Climate change could cause real problems for some species unable to keep pace with the rate of change. Upland breeding birds such as Scottish crossbills found only in Scotland , ptarmigans and snow buntings could soon find their habitat disappearing from beneath them.

Martin Harper Blog. How nature can help protect our homes Following the floods this winter, watch how one area is using nature as a natural protector. Most popular bird guides this month Which bird song is that? Who to contact if you spot an injured or baby bird Read more advice about what to do if you find a bird that needs help.

How green are you? See some of the ways you can get into green living. Marshside This fantastic wetland site is located north of Southport town centre and has some of the best wildlife in the region.

Lytchett Fields The reserve has seen more than thirty species of wading birds. Sign up and let us know the first time you see blackbirds gathering nesting materials. By taking just a few minutes to share what you see, you'll be adding to hundreds of years' worth of important data.

We couldn't do this work without you! Have you seen your first butterfly or swallow of spring? Or your first ripening berry or autumn leaf? Let us know what's happening near you. When do birds nest? Find out about the other early nesters and why they're an exception to the rule. Why nest early? Raven The raven is a very well-studied yet somewhat misunderstood bird.

Long-tailed tit These cute fluffy birds start building their extravagant and complex nests in February, and can take up to three weeks to complete them. Grey heron Grey herons nest in groups at the same locations for generations, in sites known as heronries. Tawny owl Tawny owls are definitely considered one of the earliest nesters, and will typically have their first clutch of eggs by the end of March. Help track the effects of climate change on timings in nature Have you seen your first butterfly or swallow of spring?

Everyone wants to have birds nesting in their garden. By providing a suitable place for raising a family, you can really make a difference to the success of some of the birds in your area. Avoid boxes with perches as these can provide a foothold for unwelcome guests. Simple devices such as a nest box plate or Bird Guardian can help deter predators. Face your nest box to the east or north as a hot nest box can be fatal to the chicks inside.

Plastic or metal boxes can cause birds to overheat so should always be avoided. To help them do this, hang nesting wool out from January to July in a visible place near shrubs, tree branches, or nesting areas.