Newbury birds in need of mud

RSPB says migratory birds are struggling to build nests due to dry weather

After the driest April on record, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) said that some species, such as House Martins and Swallows are struggling to find mud to use as building material for nests.

The charity has now asked that wildlife lovers leave areas of wet mud in their gardens to help the birds in their quest to make comfortable homes.

RSPB South East spokeswoman Christina MacFarquhar said: “The recent dry spell is making it hard for birds like House Marins and Swallows to build new nests and fix their old ones. If they can't find materials, this could affect their chances of breeding successfully this year.”

As well as summer migrants, birds like Blackbirds and Song Thrushes also use mud for their nests.