Nature Features

In June a survey was carried out by the RSPB called Make Your Nature Count. The results, which have just been announced, are very encouraging for wildlife in the region.

More than one fifth of gardens in the West Midlands are home to hedgehogs and one third to foxes, according to participants in the RSPB's first summer wildlife survey.

A Hedgehog

The survery also revealed that frogs and toads inhabit many gardens in the county. More than 40% of people recorded seeing frogs regularly and 12% reported regular sightings of toads.

1,443 people from the West Midlands took part in the wildlife stock-take. As well as recording birds visiting gardens in the summer, they were also asked to record garden visitors such as squirrels and badgers.

Louise Pedersen from the RSPB's Birmingham Office is thrilled with the survey's results: "We've been surprised at the diversity of wildlife gardens in the West Midlands support. Many people are seeing foxes, hedgehogs and badgers on a regular basis, species perhaps more associated with the wider countryside.

"For 30 years, Big Garden Birdwatch has provided the RSPB with information of winter bird numbers, but this survey will start to build an even bigger picture of garden wildlife throughout the year."

A Blue Tit on a feeder

The summer survey also revealed that gardens have on average 10 different species of birds present at that time of year. The blackbird is the most frequent visitor, followed by the woodpigeon.

Because of the time of year, the survey also asked people to look out for some of our breeding birds and summer migrants.

32% of people recorded baby blackbirds and 31% had young robins. Song thrush numbers have declined since the 1970's, but in recent years have started to make a bit of a recovery.

Of the summer visitor front, swifts were seen in over a quarter of gardens, a good sign they are breeding nearby. House martins and swallows were also spotted.

Feeders are important for birds in winter

However summer visitors have declined over recent years and this is of great concern to the RSPB. The cause of the decline is believed to be loss of nest sites through building improvement or demolition.

Louise added: "Gardens are an excellent habitat for a range of different species. As more and more people realise the importance of feeding birds and gardening for wildlife, they're delighted by the rewards - and seeing what visits their garden, regardless of its size and location.

"There's a growing appetite for creating ponds, wildlife areas and feeding areas and this is reflected in the results of the survey."

For more information about birds, including making a home for wildlife see the RSPB website.