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| PET GAZETTE | WILD BIRDS
GOING WILD
As we enter autumn, the RSPB gives advice on how to help customers
help the wildlife in their gardens adjust to the change
T
he first (official) month of autumn has arrived and
September has an air of change about it! As nights
become colder, birds and other wildlife can be seen
preparing for the winter to come. Most of our summer
visitors, such as the Warblers and Swallows, have left to begin their
migration south, but House Martins often stay a little later, until late
September or early to mid-October, depending on the weather.
The breeding season runs from May to August when insects are
abundant, but some chicks are still in the nest in September. House
Martins are in fact frequently double brooded and even a third brood
is not uncommon.
Fledged young from first broods often help their parents feed a
second brood. In the next few weeks they will start their migration
south and will return to the UK next April.
One bird that seems to relish September is the Robin – our nation’s
favourite bird no less. Fresh from their seasonal moult, Robins are
ready to do battle and defend their territory. A good territory with an
abundant food supply is vital for a Robin’s survival. At a time of year
when most birds are quiet and tolerant of each other, the Robin sings
for much of the day broadcasting its claim to a prime spot and keeping
others at bay. Any bird that wanders into another’s territory or tries to
extend its own is risking its own life in the process. If posturing fails to
drive it away then violence may be in order. The red breast is not for
decoration but means danger - Robins are labelled the hotheads of
the bird world for a good reason!
During Indian summers, butterflies make a welcome splash of
colour as they make the most of late flowers. Many of these are
migrants too including beautiful red admirals and painted ladies. They
breed around the Mediterranean and in North Africa producing large
swarms that fly north each spring to breed throughout Europe.
September is also a great month for observing some more unusual
wild creatures. Although the summer holidays are over for most of
us, those lucky enough to have a late break and to be heading for the
Scottish isles may see whales and dolphins as they patrol our shores.
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It is a great time for a bit of whale watching and special boat trips
are a regular occurrence giving plenty of opportunities to spot these
amazing creatures!
Whether your customers go on holiday or not, remind them not
to forget their gardens this month. One bird to look out for is the the
Long-tailed Tit. These tiny birds are garden favourites as many people
love their cute appearance and pretty black, white and pink feathers.
They’re also quite easy to identify as their tails are longer than their
bodies, making them look like little flying lollipops.
Customers are likely to see Long-tailed Tits roaming hedges and
bird feeders in little family groups, constantly making little calls to
one another. Their oval shaped nest earned them the old nickname
‘bumbarrel’. This dense ball of moss has a little entrance hole where
the birds squeeze in and out to feed their growing family. Inside the
nest is lined with lichen, cobwebs, and as many as 1,500 small, soft
feathers which the Tits will have gathered from nearby gardens and
countryside.
Right now the young families of Long-tailed Tits will be searching for
food. They’ll be picking tiny insects off leaves, but as winter arrives they
will change their diet. In the colder months customers may see clusters
of long-tailed tits on their bird feeders feasting on seeds and nuts.
To find out more on how help customers make their garden a home
for wildlife visit www.rspb.org.uk/homes
September 2018