Apologies for the lack of posts lately, I’ve been a bit slack. Since the last post, another 2 Chaffinches fell victim to Trichomonosis and a Linnet also succumbed to it, which is really sad as that’s not even what I would call a garden bird 🙁
So, after consulting the RSPB website, we’ve followed their advice and stopped all feeding.
At the moment there are no feeders in the garden – we’ve completely emptied it & it breaks my heart to see them all perched on top of the hedge looking round for food! I’ve never known the garden to be so quiet.
I suppose the one good thing is that the sunnier weather has arrived and there are noticeably more midges/flies around. I’m hoping all affected birds will be gone by the end of March so we can start feeding again in time for the breeding/nesting season.
Until then, I’ll just have to stop looking out of the window 🙁
A very sad story Shazza. I’m sure you’re doing the right thing, the birds will fend for themselves for a few weeks ok. 🙂
Thanks Warren – I know they’ll be fine really – just me being silly 😉
What a shame you are still having problems in the garden Sharon, it really is a horrible disease! I hope it soon disappears and that things get back to normal before long.
Thanks ShySongbird – the only good thing is that it’s given us a reason to completely tidy the garden up, cut back bushes etc and make it nicer for when we can feed them again 🙂
Wow I did not see this…. I hope the garden visitors are getting better and that you are getting rid off this disease!
Sorry to hear this, Shazza.
It is a trial to get through. We had our Gang of House Sparrows all but a few wiped out in the autumn & winter of 2007/08. We lost many Finches too, in those long months. I too stopped feeding, but it took for ages to eradicate it completely. your birds are in a much better position, timewise. I did keep small shells of fat for the Tits. We were stunned that despite being left with just a couple of males, they had a very good breeding season in the season of 2008.
With more people in the village feeding birds now, I hold my breath everytime I see Finches/Sparrows. We don’t control hygiene in other gardens, unfortunately.
Some Corvids, like Jackdaws, can get infected too, btw.
And don’t worry, they’ll be back.
Nice Blog , Shazza.
Do you find a smaller number of birds and wildlife here in Ireland? I always get the feeling that despite the larger population and more roads etc., that there are more wildlife and greater variety in the UK.
Hi Cliff,
Thanks for dropping by! Your comment was mixed up with all the spam so apologies for not replying sooner!
In answer to your question, I find there is a lack of numbers in birds/wildlife over here. When I first moved to Ireland 4 yrs ago, I was surprised at the lack of knowledge / interest there was in wildlife, and couldn’t even buy bird food during the 1st summer here! I ended up ordering bulk load from back home 🙂
Having said that, I’ve seen an increase in local interest over the last couple of years, and am very pleased to say that Woodies now stock supplies all year round!
I think the number of bird species is gradually increasing (breeding Woodpeckers a great example), I’m hoping a Nuthatch will make it over next as I’ve never seen one 😉
The re-introduction of Red Kites / White Tailed Eagles / Golden Eagles is fantastic, just a shame about the ignorant amongst us that have to poison these great birds of prey, but that’s a problem worldwide, not just here.
Anyway, thanks for visiting & I’ve linked to yours now, so I can see your photos 🙂
Sharon