RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch reveals reports of early nesting birds with fears climate change is altering behaviour

Reports and sightings of garden birds nesting unusually early are raising concerns that climate change is now beginning to alter the behavior of some British species.

Just days after the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch peaked, staff analyzing early data from the citizen survey are concerned at the mounting number of records of people noticing eggs and nests already occupied.

Blackbirds were found in a nest in late January. Image: Mike Hill.

The charity is concerned these are early signs that milder winters are changing the behavior of some UK garden birds, many of which traditionally nest between March and August.

Among the garden birds found at the end of January, which are already raising offspring, is the blackbird with reports of nests already occupied by nestlings – this is the name given to a bird that is not yet ready to emigrate, whose feathers still have to grow and whose eyes are still closed.

Nestlings have few or no feathers and are unlikely to survive outside their nest

In addition to atypical behavior, early nesting can pose further problems for young birds, as early arrivals are then at great risk of being harmed by temperature fluctuations as winter weather turns, coupled with food shortages by early spring.

RSPB Wildlife Advisor Katie Nethercoat said: “From reports of blue tits inspecting nest boxes and robins gathering nesting material, to blackbirds and wood pigeons already raising their young, these are all signs that spring is on the way , albeit a little early.

The early arrival of young birds increases the risk of food shortages as winter is not over yet

“While this may sound like good news, it is actually proof that climate change is having an impact on wildlife right before our eyes. Because breeding attempts occur outside of the usual season, young birds could be at risk from sudden changes in temperature or lack of food.”

In response to increasing numbers of early signs of nesting birds, the RSPB is urging households to do their part to protect the new arrivals, who are now at greater risk of harm until the weather warms up. Your advice includes:

The RSPB is urging people to exercise extra caution following increased reports of early breeding birds

1. Keep feeding to help parents support young birds. This includes laying out easily accessible food, such as mealworms and sunflower seeds, to reduce the birds’ energy expenditure in finding food sources. Regular cleaning of the feeders and providing them with fresh water can also help keep the birds in good shape throughout the winter.

2. Help create a home. In addition to garden elements such as hedges, shrubs and trees, nesting boxes can help to offer birds a protected place to raise their young. When deciding where to place a nest box as a general rule of thumb, the RSPB suggests that they should be oriented between north and east to avoid strong sunlight and the wettest of winds.

3: Please do not disturb. Since birds seem to nest in all sorts of weird and wonderful places, it’s a request to scout for nests before beginning your spring cleaning of the garden. Nests are protected by law, so if one is found it should be left right where it is and given a wide berth for a few weeks.