how to minimise effect of magpies in garden? (1 Viewer)

[southmark]

We have magpies building a nest in a conifer in our front garden. I have no wish to do them any harm but I am concerned that they may harm other birds in our garden when their eggs hatch and they start feeding their young.
Is it possible to put out food near their nest which would reduce the impact of their predation on other birds?If so,could anyone suggest foodstuffs which would attract them and reduce the harm to other birds.
Any advice warmly welcomed.

 

[Zheljko]

I think it wouldn't help, because magpies were already choosing nest site because they estimated there is enough food around to raise their young, so extra food might attract neighboring magpies or even the unexperienced fledglings of prey birds.

Although the plan in general seems good, if you fed me chocolate cake every day I would still go for roast chicken if it suddenly appears

 

[chris butterworth]

Although Magpies will predate eggs and nestlings of songbirds it's usually only the first brood and most small birds are multi-brooded. By the time the songbirds have laid their second clutch the Magpie young should have left the nest and moved on to other food sources. It may seem a bit callous to say let them get on with it but, Magpie and small birds have co-existed in this fashion for thousands of years.

 

[southmark]

Thank you- your reply is convincing- thanks for taking the time to make things clearer-