mistle thrush advice

[Gray]

Guys, i've got Mistle thrush building a nest in a plum tree. The problem is thats its about 10 feet off the ground, pretty exposed and a prime target for all the cats. Do i disturb them and discourage them or what.

 

[Mesquite]

Why not fit a collar to the tree to discourage the local felines

 

[Joonsy]

Ten foot is quite low for a mistle thrush nest. If it was me I would give them a chance and wouldn’t disturb them just let nature takes it’s course but if there is anything you can do to deter a cat I would. Mistle thrushes aggressively protect their nest and dive-bomb anything that gets near it to drive them away.

 

[British Red]

I've had them build at six foot with no troubles. Wrap the trunk and other approaches in briar wire to keep the furry vermin off

 

[cranmere]

I would leave the birds where they are and see what I could do to deter the cats. You can get animal repellents but they tend to wash off in heavy rain, or put a grease band around the tree as you would in winter to deter some of hte pests. That worked very well indeed for me to stop next door's cats from sharpening their claws on a couple of my small trees. Or wrap some long lengths of bramble arond the trunk temporarily.

 

[Silkhi]

Aye leave them well alone - such beautiful birds & I must admit I haven't seen one in a few years now. Much as I love cats use anything to put them off - the collar seems like a sound plan.

 

[Gray]

Collar no good as its close to a fence, will definately see about deterring the moggys. Thanks guys

 

[Gray]

Actually, how close to the nest can i fit a collar, if its within 2 feet i might be able to do it

 

[British Red]

Couple of feet should be fine. Put some barbed on top of the fence too.

 

[Gray]

Brill, cheers

 

[British Red]

Let's hope they hatch, we get them here...beautiful birds if not great builders!



Mistle Thrush on nest by British Red, on Flickr

 

[Gray]

Hope so too, cant wait

 

[Mesquite]

Collar no good as its close to a fence, will definately see about deterring the moggys. Thanks guys

Get spike strips or install something like pigeon spikes on the top of the fence to deny the cats access

 

[Gray]

Looks like the Mizzys have abandoned the nest. Apparently next door was out cutting wood with a skill saw right under the tree. Havnt seen a thrush now for two days. Shame, i was looking forward to seeing the young, tore a strip off the guy as he knew they were there, d..khead