Page 50 - Complete Birds of Britain and Europe (DK - RSPB)

INTRODUCTION

GARDENS, PARKS, AND TOWNS

ardens vary greatly according to their is a lifeline to huge numbers of birds – and not
Glocation: some are little more than enclosed just in winter. Spring is an important period
pieces of Mediterranean scrub while others when birds are trying to build up energy levels
represent woodland habitats in miniature. Urban to begin nesting but many natural foods are
gardens bring birds right into cities and tend to running short.Town parks provide
have a selection (though limited) of woodland birds with shrubberies, lawns,
birds but lack most of the bigger, shyer, or more and mature trees, while a park
demanding species.Artificial food in gardens lake will attract wetland species.

PUBLIC SPACES BLACK REDSTART
Town and city centres attract few In much of Europe Black Redstarts nest
species but spilled food and scraps and in cavities in buildings, which take the
place of natural cliff habitats.
the abundance of ledges and cavities in
buildings offer food and nest sites for an
increasing number.Town and city parks
are often much better areas for birds,
especially if there is a lake or pond, and some shy species become
surprisingly tame if they are not disturbed.Town or feral pigeons,
which are derived from wild Rock Doves, are abundant in towns,
while large lakes attract various ducks, coots, and gulls that forage for
scraps. Few birds feed on roads, paved areas, and rooftops but wagtails
often do so, finding insects trapped in rainwater puddles.The large
numbers of town pigeons are increasingly attracting predatory
peregrines into city centres and onto tall buildings in industrial areas.
As towns are warmer than the surrounding countryside in winter,
some species fly in specially to roost in city trees or on buildings.
URBAN SECRETS
Dunnocks display to one another in town parks
and gardens. Their sober appearance belies a
complex social life: males and females often have
more than one mate and can frequently be seen
in “wing-waving displays”.
ROOSTING WAGTAILS
Pied Wagtails feed on roofs, tarmac-covered footpaths,
car parks, and town centre riverbanks, and each evening
come together in large roosts for warmth and protection.
They often choose ornamental trees for this, but equally
seek out glasshouses and industrial sites in towns.

SUBURBAN SURPRISES
Industrial areas and roads on urban
outskirts often see birds, such as these
Lapwings, flocking in large numbers.

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