When do birds not breed?

the_syco

Hey all,
In the back garden there's a telegraph pole that the washing line is attached to. Over many years, ivy has produced a "tree" on the top of it, and I have noticed birds nesting in it.

However, it has gotten too big, and now blocks light from the garden, and recently, the hen coop. Thus I've been given the task of getting rid of the icy "tree". So I'm wondering when is the best time of the year to cut it down without damaging any chances of breeding? It's mainly Wood Pigeon & Blackbirds that stay in the icy "tree".

This is a picture taken 4 years ago, and the ivy is nearly 50% more now;


I plan to affix a few boxes to replace facing NNW, and wondering can anyone recommend any boxes for wood pigeons, etc, as any boxes we have put up in the garden have largely being unused (probably because they all use the ivy tree, though!). I'm of work for a few days, so plan to shave the ivy off now, unless someone gives reason otherwise.

RosieJoe

Breeding season is well over now. AFAIK it starts early Spring and if all goes well they might nest a second time in early Summer.

WildIreland

Most birds will have finished breeding by now, but it all depends on the bird and the availability of the resources they need. Wood pigeons, for example, have been recorded breeding in Ireland every month of the year.

That said you should be OK to trim the ivy between now and early spring.... just give it a quick check first.

Of course lots of birds will be using the ivy for other things... food, shelter, a safe place to roost. Could you perhaps just give it a trim rather than get rid of it completely?

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

WildIreland wrote: »

Most birds will have finished breeding by now, but it all depends on the bird and the availability of the resources they need. Wood pigeons, for example, have been recorded breeding in Ireland every month of the year.

That said you should be OK to trim the ivy between now and early spring.... just give it a quick check first.

Of course lots of birds will be using the ivy for other things... food, shelter, a safe place to roost. Could you perhaps just give it a trim rather than get rid of it completely?

Trimming ivy will not work and will only stimulate greater growth. There is sufficient ivy cover on trees to negate the need to allow it on poles for clotheslines. The OPs plan to erect boxes in lieu of the ivy is a better long term plan.

OP, cut it away now, as breeding is over until March or so next year. Best to do it before the colder weather settles in, so some birds will not start using it as winter shelter and have time to find another spot.