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A male blackbird. Picture by S Tranter.

BIRD charity, the RSPB is urging gardeners to use hedge trimmers and shears with caution as garden birds may be nesting early due to the warm sunshine experienced during the past month.

February and March are usually ideal months for cutting back garden hedges, trees and shrubs as nesting birds are normally yet to start building.

But many birds have begun to build nests already, especially in thick or evergreen shrubs and climbers and trimming them back would seriously disturb them.

RSPB south east spokeswoman, Hester Phillips, said: "If you see birds flying about with beakfuls of twigs and dried leaves, the chances are they have chosen a nest site nearby.

"So, before leaping into action in your garden prompted by these sunny days, please proceed with caution!"

She continued: "It is illegal to intentionally damage or destroy active nests - and most people would hate to do that anyway.

"Try to check any potential sites before cutting and pruning and if you find a nest, skip that area to avoid disturbing the birds or exposing their nest." But it is not only gardeners who are urged to be careful. Nesting birds are protected by law and, traditionally, developers use this time of year to clear sites of trees and shrubs to avoid disturbing birds.

Now the breeding season has moved forwards, developers could, unintentionally, fall foul of the law.

However, with the recent yo-yo weather patterns, the mild spell may not last and so it is vital people put out extra food in the event of a return to cold frosty conditions - this could be vital for birds with young chicks to feed. For more information on gardening for birds and other wildlife visit www.rspb.org.uk/hfw.

9:54am Thursday 6th March 2008

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