Birding in May 2011

It's May, and for the first time in the year the skies are filling up with arriving summer visitors. The most common are Swifts, Swallows and Martins. This event of course puts pressure on our resident birds who show no intention of sharing food with any incoming migrants.

Whatever their precise timetables or diet, one thing will unite every one of them at some stage this month - sitting on eggs.
Whilst nest building can be almost relaxed or at least a brief affair, the production of eggs puts considerable stress upon every female bird. An egg is large weighing up to a fifth of a bird&039;s own body weight consequently an egg laying female must be well fed. Most birds lay several eggs but they always stagger their production, laying one egg a day usually in the morning for as many days as it takes to complete their allotted clutch. So for successful reproduction it is essential that all birds are well nourished. So how can we help?

A number of readers have asked if they should continue feeding during the summer months. At this time there will be periods of cold, wet and dry weather which can leave the birds with a food shortage. These are demanding months for all birds as they build their nests, lay eggs, rear their young and moult. Supplementing their natural diet during these periods will help them during these months and bring its rewards.

It is important however to provide the correct type of food. Advice suggests feeding wild birds with black sunflower seeds, other seed mixtures, mild grated cheese, soaked raisins, soft apple, and pinhead oatmeal. Live foods such as mealworms or wax-worms will be appreciated. Peanuts, fat and bread are best avoided. Remember a young bird designed to eat regurgitated earthworms or insects may die if its parents bring home a peanut for dinner.

In our garden we leave clumps of nettles alongside the hedges and behind the sheds. Many butterflies need nettles to lay their eggs on, moth caterpillars also feed on nettles and many of them will in turn be eaten by the birds.

Enjoy the wild birds that visit your garden and with regular feeding a wide variety of wild birds will be back to your garden time and time again. So happy birdwatching! Oh and don't forget water for drinking and bathing.

We are pleased to report a number of sightings by Fiona and Caroline, from around Hope Mansell of Swallows and House Martins from April 4th onwards, as yet no Cuckoo!

D.H.