When putting together the nesting bundle, avoid putting including human hair (too thin, poses a risk of entanglement) or pet hair (may have residues of flea treatment) in the bundle.

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For more ideas on how to help your garden birds during the nesting season, check out our guide to nestboxes, a step-by-step guide to making your own garden bird nestbox, and how to garden for nesting birds.

Illustrations by Alan Batley

1

Mix together dry grass, fluffy seed heads, straw, feathers, wool and thread.

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2

Cut the end off a forked stick. Wrap the material around the stick. Secure with wool.

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3

Add more layers until a large bundle is formed (keep the lengths of the wool and string short).

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4

Hang the bundle in a tree. Remove any loose wool threads as the bundle is depleted.

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Main image: A female blackbird collects nesting material. © Dagmar Schelske/EyeEm/Getty

Authors

Sarah McPhersonFeatures editor, BBC Wildlife Magazine
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