Hello and help (baby birds nest disturbed) (1 Viewer)

[hampshirebird]

Hi there. I'm Cheryl from Winchester, Hampshire in England, UK.

Today a gardner came to cut back a leafy hedge in our front garden.

After they had left I noticed a nest at the top of the hedge which would've been in the middle before it was cut back and would've been shielded by leaves.

However now the nest has been left exposed and it is a particularly hot day. There are two newly hatched birds (probably sparrows or thrushes - I apologise for my ignorance) and one unhatched egg in the nest. I'm assuming the chicks are less than a day old.

I was concerned that they may a) overheat with direct sunlight on them or b) be disowned by their parents as the nest is so exposed. I rang my local vet who suggested I move the nest to a place that is less exposed and hope that the parents find the new location. However apart from putting them on the floor the entire hedge is now quite exposed with no leaves as it's been completely pruned back. I also thought that humans weren't supposed to touch nests in case the parents abandon the nest.

Anyway, instead I found a tiny branch with some leaves on from another bush and have used it to shield the nest from the direct sunlight (leaving enough space for the mummy bird to return and feed her chicks).

Is there anything else I should do? Should I attempt to feed the hungry chicks (they keep sticking their heads up and opening their mouths for food). If so with what? Or should I leave well alone and hope the parents return to feed them? I don't really want to move the nest unless I really have to.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Many thanks
Cheryl

 

[delia todd]

Hi Cheryl and a warm welcome to you on behalf of the Staff and Moderators.

Hedge cutting should be avoided in the breeding season (March to August in your area I'd think). THIS RSPB page may be of interest to you. A good gardener should have known to search the hedge for nests before continuing.

My opinion, is that you've done the best you can now in the circumstances by giving the nest some cover. I'd leave well alone now and hope the parents return soon.

Please let us know the outcome.

D

 

[coal tit]

hello cheryl

it looks as thou you have photographed a nest of young blackbirds your gardener
is obviously no birdwatcher because if he was he would never cut back hedges at
this time of the year or bushes or trees has our native birds go into their breeding
cycles i would like to give some hope for these youngsters but the situation is not
good for them i am affraid did you give him permission to cut the hedge or monitor
what he does for you in the garden as this can prevent similar events happening
again with him or any other gardener let me know the outcome of this sorry i can
be of no more help.

coal tit.

 

[hampshirebird]

Thanks for the link Delia. I sadly had no idea about the need to avoid pruning hedges during this time of year, but thank you for pointing this out to me as I now know. I shall pass this information on to the gardener. Never used him before and wouldn't recommend him to be honest.

However, I did ask him to cut the hedge back at it had got out of control and was right in front of our kitchen window so blocking sunlight/view. Had I known what I know now I wouldn't have given permission for him to do so. You live and learn.

Am keeping my fingers crossed for the little baby birds.
Thanks for your advice coaltit and Delia.

kind regrds
Cheryl

 

[ospreyfreak]

Get him back and tell him,, and also cut a hole further down and rebury it, sun is one thing magpies something else, and be carefull when hes/your doin it ,and hurry up its a possibility they wont leave chicks
Best and I hope your egg cracks furst role

 

[AnnPat]

Hi and welcome to BirdForum
I hope the parents come back to them.

 

[robinm]

Hi and welcome to BirdForum :t:

 

[Zebs]

Greetings from the East Coast, Totally agree with Delia,

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum! I am sure you will find lots to interest you here, and I hope that you enjoy your visits.

Any gardener worth his salt would know that hedgetrimming must not take place at this time of year, and would be checking to see if there were nests about. What a shame.

 

[The Rovin' Outlaw]

Hi and welcome