Hanging baskets and birds

Forgive me if I've posted this in the wrong place...I read the forum, eagerly devouring information. I'm a wannabe gardener, desp. trying hard to learn.

My new hanging baskets have a green plastic/hessian liner which the sparrows are cheerfully pilfering for their homes. I don't want to stop their fun, but how can I prevent this, please?

I've thought about covering the whole basket with a clear polythene; would this suffice, please?

Any advice would be appreciated, please.

 

My neighbour had this problem, so this year she bought compressed cardboard liners which hopefully will be left alone!
The clear polythene would probably work for this year. Mine have black polythene liners with moss tucked in and whilst the birds do pull it out sometimes, I put more in.

 

Nest bulding will soon stop so providing theres still enough material in your hanging baskets let them get on with it. You can also tie up bundles of moss that birds can have easy access to if they are a real problem.

On another note, my auntie used to put out trays of mud for the swallows. I was reminded of it the other day when a pair were collecting mud from around a dripping outside tap.

 

...thanks a million for your responses; so very much appreciated.

- Mil -

 

Do you have a dog? I have 3 and at this time of the year they are moulting heavily, I brush the hair out and tie it in bundles from the trees, the birds love it and can't get enough, all the nests in the neigbourhood must have gold coloured fur interiors. Good luck with the baskets

 

...no pets these days, alas. What a good idea about the dog hair, and I can just imagine those comfy nests, too. :D Thanks for your response. It was the first time I dare post on here.

 

Whilst some of our hanging basket material might be going to nests, most of it is the jackdaws. They peck everything, must be just curiosity. I have dogs too and always leave the odd bit of hair in the garden at this time of year.
Frogesque, as to leaving mud out, no need at all here, there's quite enough of it already thank you :D
The last 2 days have been sunny!