Should I worry about a Common Frog with leeches?
Sara Jennings
In the UK, there are 17 known species of freshwater leeches, some of which may feed on live amphibians. A species of leech previously unknown in the UK, Batracobdella algira, has recently been found in southern England, seen mostly around the eyes and throat of Common Toads or across the body of Common Frogs (similar to the feeding behaviour of other leeches).
Leeches play an important role in our ecosystem and, so far, there’s no evidence of amphibian population impact. However, you can report unwell amphibians to gardenwildlifehealth.org
Blue Tit pecking at its reflection. Photo: Nick Upton (rspb-images.com)
Why are Blue Tits pecking at our garden mirror?
Terry Cripps
This behaviour is most likely due to the birds’ confusion at seeing their own reflections. They may think the reflections are rivals in their territory, or they may just be curious.
We also get reports of birds attacking their reflections in windows, particularly during the nesting season, but it can happen at any time of the year.
Unfortunately, the only way to stop this behaviour is to remove the reflection, so we would recommend removing the mirror (or covering it). Garden mirrors can sometimes become an issue for bird collisions as well.
A male Tree Sparrow (left) and male House Sparrow (right). Female House Sparrow inset. Illustration: Mike Langman (rspb-images.com)
Tree Sparrow vs House Sparrow
In the UK, we have two species of sparrow: the House Sparrow and the Tree Sparrow. House Sparrows are one of the UK’s most familiar birds, while Tree Sparrows are less common. Both species have been facing severe declines and, unfortunately, are now on the Red List for conservation concern. These small brown birds spend a lot of their time in flocks and can be seen in areas of farmland, and urban and suburban habitats.
Tree Sparrow
- Smaller in size than the House Sparrow
- Chestnut brown crown (male and female birds have similar plumage)
- White cheeks with small black patches
- Black bib doesn’t reach beyond the throat
- Shy birds who prefer to nest in hedgerows and woodland edges
House Sparrow
- Larger than the Tree Sparrow
- Males have a grey crown while females have a buff-coloured crown
- Males have a black bib down their chest
- No black cheek patches in either sex
- Closer association with people and more likely to nest in roof spaces
A Blue Tit nesting in a cigarette bin. Photo: Gillian Pullinger (Alamy Stock Photo)
I have found a tit nest in a cigarette bin. How can I report this?
Roger Brookes
As cavity nesters, tit species will take advantage of spaces with small entrance holes where they feel safe, and this can sometimes include more unusual places such as cigarette bins.
The Bird Group at the Natural History Museum, London, based in Tring, Hertfordshire, are interested in examples of any birds nesting in man-made locations, eg traffic lights, post boxes or electric car charging points.
Douglas G. D. Russell, Senior Curator of Eggs & Nests at the Natural History Museum (NHM), is especially interested in examples of birds nesting in wall-mounted cigarette bins. If you find one, it would be great if you could report this to the Natural History Museum. Please contact Douglas Russell via email d.russell@nhm.ac.uk or phone on 0207 942 6154 during office hours.
Male Brambling. Photo: Martin Reynolds
What bird is this?
Martin Reynolds
This lovely woodland bird is a Brambling!
They are very social birds and are often found flocking together with Chaffinches during the colder months, and are similar in size. They come to the UK after migrating here to escape the freezing temperatures in Scandinavia.
Bramblings are similar in size to the Chaffinch and males have a warm orange breast, white belly, black wings with white patches and a mottled black/brown head, though their head looks more black in summer. Learn how to identify finches.
Female Bramblings have similar plumage; however, their colours appear more muted. When they fly, you may be able to identify them by looking for their white rumps. You’ll see them in autumn, winter and early spring in many places across the UK.
Slug. Photo: Richard Revels (rspb-images.com)
How to: Deal with slugs
A recent study by RHS found that many of the typical non-toxic barriers (such as copper tape, bark mulch and eggshells) have no reduction in slug damage.
The RHS concluded that it’s better to learn to live alongside slugs and snails, and we agree.
While it can be frustrating when slugs munch on your plants, they are natural members of a healthy ecosystem. They play their part by breaking down dead plant material and are a food source for garden visitors such as thrushes, frogs and Slow Worms.
If necessary, you can bait slugs by putting down a piece of damp cardboard under a stone and relocating them to your compost heap.
