Pied wagtail nest dilemma

**veggiechicken** · 26-03-2019, 03:21 PM

Can you put some wire netting around it to keep the cats away?

**Small pumpkin** · 26-03-2019, 03:25 PM

Don't move the nest.
Unfortunately it's best to let nature take it's course.

They do regularly make nests close to the ground.

**Selymbria** · 26-03-2019, 03:38 PM

I can put a wire netting around with large enough holes for birds to squeeze through. Thanks

**Guest** · 26-03-2019, 03:51 PM

Here's one I prepared earlier https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gr...rds_85551.html Leave them to get on with it. There are loads and loads of cats where I am and they never bothered the wagtails.

**keat63** · 26-03-2019, 03:53 PM

If you move the nest the parent birds will abandon it, and you'll be breakling the law.
If you start putting things around it, they may also abandon it.
But if you don't do anything, the cats may get the fledgelings.

Youre in a catch 22.

I don't think you can win, you can only leave it to chance and hope.

**Selymbria** · 26-03-2019, 04:58 PM

**veggiechicken** · 26-03-2019, 05:02 PM

That's beautiful, Sel. Thanks
Is that dog fur?

There are a pair of pied wagtails gathering nesting stuff here too - I hadn't realised they nest that low down.

**nickdub** · 26-03-2019, 05:16 PM

In your shoes I'd go for the wire netting suggestion - but I'd probably move it in a bit at a time - ie start on one side with the other open , move the free end round then just leave a hole in the centre - animals react better to stuff which happens gradually than an all at once change - also whatever you do don't spend ,more than a minute or so near the nest - you know you have good intentions, but the birds don't.

BTW sometimes young birds will have a go at stuff in their first year and cog it up a bit, before they suss out how to make a better job - so perhaps that explains what is going on here.

**Mitzi** · 27-03-2019, 12:57 PM

What a beautiful picture.

**keat63** · 27-03-2019, 03:38 PM

I'd concur with Nick.
If you do build a baracade, do so gradually.
Let the birds get used to the change in surroundings.
With 5 to 6 eggs taking about 13 days to hatch, you've probably 2 weeks left.

**Snoop Puss** · 27-03-2019, 04:24 PM

Lovely photo. Thanks for sharing.

**veggiechicken** · 27-03-2019, 04:42 PM

A wagtail flew into my GH today!! That's the last place I want a nest.

**nickdub** · 27-03-2019, 06:37 PM

Originally posted by veggiechicken View Post

A wagtail flew into my GH today!! That's the last place I want a nest.

You make your nest in the house as usual VC, served you well in the past - don't let these lesser birds influence you :-)

**SarrissUK** · 27-03-2019, 08:35 PM

haha Nickdub, that made me laugh out loud haha

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Pied wagtail nest dilemma

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