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all cavorting together.I sometimes feel a bit uneasy when I see small birds fluttering about in the garden...you know...the cats... But I needn't worry now. It's much too inclement for my two to bother getting up out of their basket, let alone venture

Mow lawns regularly, gradually lowering the height of the cut as spring progressesTreat problem weeds, such as nettles and brambles, with weedkillerTidy up hedges, but before you start cutting make sure no birds are nesting in them Keep large sheets

colourant solution if you want blue flowersUse a circuit breaker (RCD) when using electric toolsScoop floating weed from ponds with a netTrim hedges and topiaryTop up bird baths regularly

Tidy up piles of flowerpots and debris that could harbour snailsRaise patio containers on feet or bricks, to ensure their compost drains properlyAvoid walking on lawns covered with heavy frost, as you'll kill the grassProvide birds with fresh water

Keep window bird feeders topped up with seed to attract bluetits and sparrowsWash out flowerpots and seed traysMove patio pots to sheltered sites during cold periodsIf snow falls, knock it off the branches of evergreen shrubs and conifers to prevent

Birds bring gardens alive, and in so many ways they make gardening worthwhile. It's lovely having them as companions, delving into newly dug soil for worms and pests, but better still when they take up residence and make a nest.What better accolade

clumps and replant your new plants wherever you want.Fix nesting boxes for birds to suitable treesGet petrol mowers and power tools servicedKeep indoor azaleas well-watered with rainwaterAround the gardenPrune back shoots on hydrangeas Trim all foliage

in spring.1m x 150cm woodBalloonDrill or screwdriverNewspaperPaintbrushSawScrewsWater-based paintWaterproof PVA glueall year rounda couple of hoursPlace a round balloon in a vase, pointing downwards. Mix eight parts glue with one part water and stick strips

was the most common bird, with starlings in second place, followed by blue tit, blackbird and chaffinch. The 2008 results will be published on the Big Garden Birdwatch website in March.

other calls they make (listen here) - pretty nondescript to be honest.Finally, as my friend will hopefully now be able to identify the voice of his tormentor, so should our beloved garden birds. The sparrowhawk's call is shrill and cold, though may also