Owl saves exotic parakeets

New York state has enlisted the help of Hootie, a battery-powered owl, to deal with its monk parakeets problem. While the birds look beautiful, they have taken to building nests at the top of utility poles in Queens and Brooklyn. This is a major problem, as when the nests get wet they can explode. So it seems Hootie is a much more humane way of getting rid of the birds! One worker said: “These birds don’t go easy. They hover right around you, and if they have eggs in the nest, they’ll attack you." Hootie has been doing the business, though...when his batteries aren't run down!

What's on this week

EVENT: Breakfast with the Birds WHEN: Saturday April 11, 7.30am WHERE: Birkenhead Park, The Wirral, Merseyside - meet by the Swiss Bridge. WHAT'S IT ABOUT: An early morning ranger-led walk around the Victorian park looking a various nesting birds and new arrivals. You can also have breakfast at the Cappucinos cafe. Booking essential. TO FIND OUT MORE: Ring the visitor centre, tel: 0151 652 5197 or see www.wirral.gov.uk/news

Foxes who think they are birds

We've all heard those stories about birds nesting in unusual places such as the interior of a golf bag, a bicycle basket or a wheelbarrow. 

But have you heard the one about some foxes which built a "nest" in a tree?

You can read about it here.