Bird nesting and tree trimming

Howard Fillingham

Is now an okay time to trim a fir tree as far as bird nesting is concerned? I have a fir tree of sorts that has forked into two central limbs and I would like to trim off one of the the overhanging limbs but I've seen wrens flitting in and out so don't want to disturb any nests. I'm aware of the resulting brown interior that will be exposed.

pansyface

Nobody will be nesting just now, but wrens might be using its dry depths as a roost.  They are remarkable little birds, see this extract from Birds of Britain UK.

Cambridgerose12

What a remarkable story @pansyface -- I get the odd wren in my garden now that the shrubs are filling out a bit, and am now thinking I should get a proper box and tie it into the depths of a shrub to see if I can attract anyone.

I did have a nesting box which attracted robins, but then my neighbour went and had some roofing work done in mid-nesting season, and they deserted the nest and have never returned.

Balgay.Hill

If you live in Scotland, then Scottish Crossbills lay eggs in January.
I believe pigeons can lay eggs at any time of the year.

Howard Fillingham

Thank you for all replies. The tree is covered in snow now! But you have answered my question. Thanks again.

NewBoy2

I spoke with one of the top men in RSPB who lives in The Shetlands and he advised me not to cut HEDGES until the mid of June as if the nests are exposed the magpies will kill and eat the chicks.

Hope this helps

Ergates

A couple of years ago, we discovered a wren nesting in the hanging rack for our outside garden hose. Couldn’t use the hosepipe all summer. We eventually put up a nesting box but wrens didn’t move in, a couple of bluetits took possession.