Sorry to put a damper on the lovely siskin post @Papi Jo I think the problems with the netting is the birds ingesting the plastic with the food, just as much as getting caught in the net. I am surprised that bird food is still sold in these nets, perhaps it works out cheaper although we only buy fat balls in large plastic tubs now - it works out far cheaper when buying in bulk.
Thanks for your remark, @Guernsey Donkey2 I had not thought about that other potential problem. However, I have closely inspected the empty nets after the birds have emptied them of their fat balls, and those nets do look intact. Apparently the birds are smart and will refrain from eating the plastic.
I would love to buy un-netted fat balls, but they are not available in my local GC, even when I buy them in bulk. For this winter period I purchased a big pack of 100 fat balls of 90grams each. Unfortunately, each ball was individually wrapped in a green plastic net and in a transparent plastic bag as well. Quite ridiculous, but they said that they needed this packaging for being able to sell those balls "by the unit" if customers wanted them.
I threw some food on the ground for the birds and I noticed that the magpies were taking food and burying it. I didn't know they did that. I wonder if they'll remember where they put it.
I saw two magpie threatening a cat on a fence. They positioned themselves either side of him and walked slowing towards him. The cat scarpered and we never saw him again.
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I wonder if they'll remember where they put it.
Buying one fat ball at a time? Even us canny Scots don't do that
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...