Common house martin;
Credit: © Tom Conzemius
In the latest in a series of articles about current conservation issues, experts at natur&ëmwelt, a leading nature conservation NGO in Luxembourg, spoke to Chronicle.lu about urban birds, particularly in the context of an increasing human population and the densification of cities.
Natur&ëmwelt volunteer Claire Schroeder helped collect the relevant information from the NGO for this article.
Chronicle.lu: A visit to the Luxembourgish countryside, particularly near farms, in the warmer months is often accompanied by the soundtrack of birds. So, what is it about farms that is so attractive to birds?
Natur&ëmwelt: You might think that birds are attracted to farms not for the buildings as such but for their rural setting. And while there is some truth to this - there is something to be said for an unlimited breakfast buffet of creepy-crawlies - it’s far from the whole story. Like most things, it pays to understand the origins. Most of these birds’ ancestors used to breed in cliffs, caves and crags, shielded from the rain and wind. As humans have built taller and denser villages, towns and cities, birds have become a regular presence. Farms are particularly attractive as they usually consist of older buildings that tend to have rough edges, overhangs, accessible roof structures and other crevices, mimicking the birds’ ancestral homes.
Chronicle.lu: Does that mean older buildings are more inviting to birds than new-builds?
Natur&ëmwelt: Generally speaking, in our region, yes. Our newer buildings usually don’t offer the nesting conditions these birds need. For example, relief-free finishes prevent swallows from sticking mud and other matter with which they build their nests to the façades. New construction techniques and changing aesthetic preferences are producing buildings without seams or joints and often without conventional roofs or eaves. However, new buildings are not the only issue - renovations and restorations can cover up or even destroy breeding and nesting areas.
Chronicle.lu: Which species of birds are we talking about here? Some might think pigeons were our only feathered city-dwellers…
Natur&ëmwelt: [They] think wrong! Being relatively social, pigeons are usually more noticeable, yes, however swifts and swallows are some of the most appreciated neighbours in our urban areas. They benefit from near-perfect nesting conditions while we benefit from free insect control. However, in recent decades the populations of these species in urban spaces have been decreasing in part due to these new construction tendencies. So, it is essential to protect existing nests and colonies. In Luxembourg and a large part of the surrounding regions, bats are also heavily present in our urban spaces and can be helped in very similar ways.
Chronicle.lu: Since architectural styles do not change overnight, what can we do to provide birds with safe spaces in our towns?
Natur&ëmwelt: When it comes to new constructions, and even some renovation projects, the most practical way to make an impact and provide nesting and breeding spaces for urban birds and bats are prefabricated nesting boxes. While these products are often referred to as “boxes”, they come in many different shapes and sizes depending on the needs and preferences of different species. These units can be installed in the insulation layer of newly built façades or added during restoration or renovation projects. The result is a small, discreet opening in the façade through which the birds or bats can enter into their box and make it their own.
Chronicle.lu: That all sounds deceptively simple, does it not?
Natur&ëmwelt: Simple design is often the very best! It is best to keep the openings as high off the ground as possible to avoid any unwelcome visitors, ensure a grippy and obstruction-free entryway to allow for a strong foothold and, if possible, provide nesting opportunities on multiple different façades (avoiding directly south-facing ones) so that the occupants can move depending on their temperature needs. Beyond that, these beautiful creatures are not fussy - quite the opposite, given an appropriate home, these species are often very loyal to their particular location, providing you with new and fascinating friends to spend your summer evenings with!
