My tips for bird nesting season in south-west France

To the Editor,

I have spent much of my life, from a young age, observing the behaviour of birds. Since moving to rural France 20 years ago, this interest has become part of my everyday life. Much of what follows will already be familiar to many people, but perhaps not to all.

The nesting season is now just around the corner. Some species begin building nests as early as February, including collared doves, mistle thrushes and song thrushes - the latter sadly becoming increasingly rare in south-west France. 

March, April and May are the most active months for nesting, and also the period when birds are at their most vulnerable.

Magpies are notorious for devouring nestlings from a wide range of species, while jays - beautiful as they are - will often tear nests to the ground. Goldfinches are particularly vulnerable. 

I have also witnessed the great spotted woodpecker clinging to a nest box and waving its head in front of the entrance hole to attract nestlings. 

Cuckoos, when they arrive, typically target the nests of hedge sparrows, pipits and similar species. Very few birds abandon their nests or eject cuckoo eggs, although the blackcap is a notable exception - a small bird that later in the season is particularly fond of elderberries.

One practice I never follow is putting out fat balls in spring. Despite frequent advertising, these can be dangerous: the fat can choke nestlings of smaller birds such as blue tits. We do, however, have several nest boxes, all carefully positioned so that none are exposed to full sun.

Managing magpies and jays is difficult. Aside from frightening them away or discouraging them from nesting on your land, there are few options. Magpies tend to nest high in trees, while jays prefer large bushes, and during their nesting period they are at their most ravenous. Frequent activity beneath nests - such as mowing - can often deter them.

Many people will already be aware that bushes and hedges should not be cut until August in order to protect nesting birds. Farmers in particular can face very heavy fines if hedges are cut in spring.

In our area, swallows have not appeared in large numbers for several years, and nobody seems to know why. Sadly, during March, when some of you may observe the migration of cranes heading north to Europe, you may also notice reduced numbers. 

This is thought to be linked to avian flu picked up in the lakes of the Low Countries, where the virus has been detected and is under strict observation in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Despite this worrying news, there have also been encouraging successes here in the Lot. Black redstarts, golden orioles and hoopoes are breeding well, and - until recently unknown to us - nightjars have begun to appear from our surrounding woods.

M.S. by email

Do you have any tips for bird sightings in your area? Share them at letters@connexionfrance.com