I have a blackbird nest in my wildly overgrown hedge. The babies
have hatched, but how do I know if this is the blackbirds' first
brood? 8 June 2007 Sent in by Julie Bush, Leeds We do not
recommend cutting or removing hedges or trees between the months
of March and August. Light pruning to neaten up a hedge from
straggly shoots should not be damaging to nesting birds but the
use of power tools and vigorous cutting and can be very
destructive. If any work takes place it is vital to check for
nesting birds before the work takes place. Nesting birds are
often difficult to find even by the most observant of gardener
so it is best to err on the side of caution. Certainly if you
see a nest or a bird taking food into the hedge, I would leave
well alone. The best time cut a hedge is generally autumn or if
it is a berry bearing species, early spring but no matter when
you do it, always check first. Blackbirds can start breeding as
early as February if the weather is favourable. It is normal for
a blackbird to have up