Sir, – John Hickey shows laudable concern regarding the scarcity of birds in his garden during the summer months (Letters, September 1st), but he can rest assured that this is neither uncommon nor troubling. Having carried out weekly garden bird counts for the British Trust for Ornithology since 1985, I can confirm that a reduction in the number of birds utilising our gardens usually occurs in mid to late summer.
Having completed nesting and rearing their young, birds are no longer restricted to keeping within proximity of nest sites and venture further afield, exploring and utilising the wider countryside or environs. Summer also brings an abundance of natural food in the form of invertebrates and seeds, which reduces their need for any food we may provide, directly or indirectly, in our gardens.
In addition, many birds need to moult their worn feathers after the breeding season. As growing new feathers requires a lot of energy, birds become less active and stay hidden in thick shrubs or hedges where they are protected from predators and are less observed by us.
So, John can relax in the sure and certain knowledge that they will be back to delight and entertain us, as well as eat us out of house and home, in the very near future.
RM Block
Our garden has recorded 58 species of birds, just in case you’re asking. – Yours, etc,
PAT MULLEN,
Kilkerley,
Co Louth.
