Magpie attack! Magpies pulling strands from trees

Hi

We've got a couple of Magpies pulling out strands from our trees. See photos for damage.

Is this harmful for the tree?
What can i do (if anything) to stop this happening? I did think i could cut a box and place it round the base, but that's not a good long term solution!



Advice appreciated.

Thanks

 

Nest building.

It’s been going on since the dawn of time. Everything seems to have survived so far.

 

Yep, nest building.... what can be done,,,

 

Ask God. He started it.

 

It won't harm the tree, they'll stop once they've finished nest building. Some palm tree enthusiasts remove it to expose the trunk. It can also provide shelter for insects which the birds may also be feeding on.

 

If you want, you can cover the trunk for the week or so it takes the nest to be completed. You could also offer them alternative nesting material.

Congratulations for nesting Magpies, they young are incredibly funny birds

 

What tree is this happening to?

 

Trachycarpus fortunei

 

Good tips - thanks!

 

Good to know - thanks

 

It's natural - birds are pinching all sorts of stuff for nest building. My NDN, who keeps sheep for showing, recently refurbished a garden border - put the plants in and covered with sheep wool. The Jackdaws love it and take it on a daily basis for their chimney and church bell tower nests. It makes a nice cosy addition at this time of year.

 

About this time of year last year I was walking with my pooch in the fields by some trees and I saw several crows at work stripping lengths of bark from some quite substantial branches then flying off with it.
I assumed they use it in their nests

When I brush my dog I put her hair on the lawn and all sorts of small birds take bits

 

Does your dog get treated for fleas, @Pete8? There has been some worrying news lately about small birds using pet fur for their nests with deadly consequences for their young.

Bird mortality rates rising due to pet treatment chemicals found in nests

 

They prey on other birds to feed their chicks.
Fantastic looking birds but dont like their habits.

They are stripping the fibre from my trachys as usual this year.

 

Thanks for the info - I'll pass it on to other dog-owners I know too.

Yes I do treat her for fleas, tics etc and all sorts of worms.
Bravecto is what I use and the active ingredient is fluralaner which is not mentioned in the article you linked to.
I suspect it's treatments that some dog owners use where it's put directly onto the fur of the dog that are the problem.
My dog has tablets for both fleas etc and worms - nothing dripped onto her fur.