Robin, titmouse and wren in April: Returning breeders now

Created: 04/28/2022, 16:00

By: Jasmin Pospiech

In spring many migratory birds return to us.

The breeding season begins and many look for places to nest.

Here's how to support them.

Munich – early in the morning it is already chirping from all corners in different melodies.

Astonished listeners then ask themselves how many bird species must be out there at the moment.

And there are actually quite a few, because many migratory birds have now returned from their southern winter quarters in the spring.

Temperatures rise and the breeding season begins.

Robin, titmouse and wren in April: Returning breeders now

Robins, wrens and great tits are now looking for partners and suitable nesting sites to reproduce.

Native bird species often prefer hiding places in hedges, in the woods or bushes in wild and romantic gardens.

But due to the modern garden design and the development of green spaces, you will rarely find them in this country.

In order to support native bird species, you should be considerate of breeding pairs and young birds:

Robin, tit and wren in April: 1. No hedge trimming

Ornamental grasses such as Chinese reed or pampas grass serve as nesting material for robins.

(Iconic image) © Volker Lautenbach/Imago

Many bird species seek a retreat during the breeding season where they can raise their offspring undisturbed.

Dense garden hedges are ideal for this.

There, robins and co. do not have to worry about their eggs and newly hatched chicks from predators such as cats and their nest is protected from bad weather.

For this reason, hedge trimming is also prohibited from March 1st to September 30th according to the Federal Nature Conservation Act.

During this time, garden owners are not allowed to prune or cut down hedges, shrubs or trees.

Otherwise there is a fine of up to 100,000 euros.

You can find even more exciting garden topics in the free 24garten newsletter, which you can subscribe to here.

Robin, tit and wren in April: 2. Leash the dogs

It is not uncommon for young birds to fall out of the nest.

This can happen, for example, in the course of fledging.

When they finally grow too big and compete for space or try their flying skills for the first time, the dramatic fall occurs.

If you then walk your free-roaming dog along it, caution is advised.

After all, these could injure the young birds.

In some federal states it is therefore mandatory to keep the dog on a leash.

In Saarland there is even a fine of up to 5,000 euros if you violate this during the breeding season.

Basically, to protect the birds, it is advisable to keep the four-legged friend away from clutches and to go for a walk vigilantly.

Robin, tit and wren in April: 3. Offer nesting aids

If you want to attract native birds to your own garden, it is best to build a nesting box yourself or install a ready-made one.

The selection of the nesting box depends on which bird species you want to have with you in the native green.

Robins, for example, prefer wide openings for the landing approach, while tits and sparrows also get along well with smaller ones due to their size.

Also, make sure your nest boxes are made from organic materials like wood.

Plastics, on the other hand, cause moisture and mold to form quickly inside.

This ultimately harms the young birds.