A freezing start to the year with ice and snow quickly gave way to 100mph gale force winds – and our gardens and the wildlife within them have been battered by the extreme weather conditions.
But as January comes to a close, nature is beginning to get ready for spring as temperatures begin to get milder.
And one such change is in the number of birds in our gardens, with some species like doves, thrushes and pigeons already beginning to nest for breeding season at the end of this month and the start of February.
Often, birds will find a home in your property’s roof, slipping in the gap between roof tiles and your brickwork, or nesting inside a chimney breast or in a hole in the eaves of your house.
You might find yourself woken by a chorus of cheeping and twittering only to realise there’s a nest somewhere in your house’s structure itself one day in the next few months.
But if this happens, home owners are being warned that it’s illegal to remove it, and you could in fact face a fine and prosecution.
The RSPB says: “If you find an active birds’ nest in your home, it’s illegal to remove it. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it’s an offence to intentionally take, damage or destroy any active wild bird’s nest in the UK.
“Instead, you must allow the chicks to leave the nest before taking any action to remove a nest or block an entrance to it.”
The conservation charity continues: “The populations of many wild birds are plummeting. Human actions are squeezing our feathered friends out of places to nest, rest and feed.
“Where possible, we should try to share our space instead. Birds should be allowed to nest wherever there is no conflict. Chimneys are not safe for birds to nest, but roofs and eaves can be vital refuges.
“Birds need our help. If you can, please allow them to access to nest in your roof or fit a suitable nesting box.
“If you must stop birds accessing your home, wait until the winter months when they are not nesting (note: pigeons can nest throughout the year).”
Those who do flout the law on damaging or destroying a nesting bird can face an ‘unlimited fine’, as well as 6 months in prison if prosecuted.