Last time the birdhouses were inventoried in Sweden, in 2023, 14 percent of them contained trash – mainly plastic. Keep Sweden Clean and Birdlife Sweden then received 311 reports from 96 different municipalities around the country. Then, trash – including wet wipes, cigarette butts, snuff, and synthetic feathers – was found in every eighth hole.
Now, a new national survey is starting, where the public is asked to contribute. Those who want to participate should inventory and clean the birdhouse by March 15 in southern Sweden and by April 1 in northern Sweden.
First, you should listen to make sure no bird is nesting in the hole, then clean and take a photo of any trash, and report it on Keep Sweden Clean's protocol.
Birds are looking for materials that resemble natural nesting material, such as plastic strips that look like grass blades. However, trash in bird nests can lead to chicks getting stuck in the trash. It also makes it difficult for water to drain from the nest if it rains.
Plastic is so common and so long-lasting in nature that almost all birds will have eaten plastic by 2050 – which in the worst case can lead to the bird's death.
