"Serena Blanchflower" wrote in message
.. .
Over the past few weeks, the number of small birds in my garden (in
Hampshire) has plummeted worryingly. Normally, whenever I look out of the
window, there will be at least a few tits and/or finches to be seen,
either on the feeders or in the trees and shrubs, even at quiet times of
the year. Now, it's all too common for me not to see any birds at all.
The seed feeders have been deserted and are only going down by an inch or
two each week, rather than needing to be refilled every day or two. I've
been watching the birds in my garden, in Hampshire) regularly, for several
years and I've never known it as quiet as this. Visitors have also
commented on the lack of the normal cabaret outside my windows!

The larger birds are still around; I'm seeing plenty of starlings and
pigeons, along with some blackbirds, a greater spotted woodpecker and the
odd crow.

Has anyone heard of similar problems in other areas and do you know what
the problem could be. I can't think of anything locally which has changed
recently and which could have caused it.


--
Cheers, Serena

Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside a dog, it's too
dark to read. (Groucho Marx)

Hi Serena

Just south and overseas to you on the Isle of Wight. Plenty of birds here.
Bluetits nesting and I think now feeding 'littluns' a few feet away from me
as I type http://www.myalbum.com/Album=MUKLG34Q picture 1 shows the Bluetit
box from the computer, picture SG101002 shows a big Bay Tree with a
Blackbird's nest in and I think that has young in it. Visitors to our garden
remark on the number of birds as well.

Sparrows by the million. I think I saw a Hawk take off with a Sparrow this
morning, but by the time I had got up and cleared the veranda, nothing in
sight

Crossposted to uk.rec.gardening because I know there are some gardeners
interested in birds as well ;-))

Mike


--

....................................
It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice.
....................................