I'm new to birdfeeding as of last August, but am delighted to say that after 2-3months I have regular Robins and Collard Doves feed from my ground-feeders. Even with two cats of mine, the birds know when they're in or out. I changed the variety of feed in the hangers (not completely filled), sunflower hearts, peanuts, ground-feeders with all sizes of seed and meal worms (which hedgehogs like too). Today, I noticed a family of Blue Tits visiting the hanger containing sunflower hearts. Fat balls don't always work. Have also put a dish of water too.
Snow Day. I have fed the birds in my garden for 4 years now starting my garden from a blank canvas but, as a full time worker I only get to see a passing bird as I look out of a window....Today like many I have an unexpected day off,So I took the time to sit and watch( a new year resolution!), who was about in the the snow. I put out some fresh seed on my snow covered patio table and a fresh bowl of water closed the patio door then sat and waited with my hot cup of morning tea.... To my joy as I took my first sip of tea along came not one, but two Robins, one Bluetit, four Collared Doves, one fat woodpigeon, one Songthrush, one Blackbird, one Wagtail and darting around the snow capped patio pots one Wren...Phew! And all in only 30 minutes.
Today I've been watching two Pied Wagtails seeing off the rest of the garden birdlife in the quest for food. They seem to spend more time fending off the likes of Chaffinches and Blackbirds than eating.
Well, it's hopefully back to work tomorrow and I will miss seeing the birds feeding throughout the day, but know they'll be OK. I was pleased to have seen a Song Thrush for the first time yesterday morning (Sat). So, there's hope to see more varieties arrive in my semi-rural garden.
There's still an amazing number of birds in the garden, on the brid table and at the feeders, and it looks as if they're still feeling 'the pinch' so, go on why not pop out and give them a few more meals??
I put out niger seeds for the goldfinch and generally have 3 or 4 visit at one time, however I havent seen any for over two weeks now. It's hard to believe they have all succumbed to the cold weather, could there be any other reason?
hi pippa,im still feeding the birds in my garden. but am now having problems with rats,iv been out and bought traps but they seem to know what im up two
I am having the same problem as Christina. I have put out bird feeders but have seen them being visited by rats. We live close to fields and rats have been a problem in the past. I would be very interested to hear whether anyone has found a way to deter the rats but encourage the birds.
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Glad for any more advice?
I have fed the birds in my garden for 4 years now starting my garden from a blank canvas but, as a full time worker I only get to see a passing bird as I look out of a window....Today like many I have an unexpected day off,So I took the time to sit and watch( a new year resolution!), who was about in the the snow.
I put out some fresh seed on my snow covered patio table and a fresh bowl of water closed the patio door then sat and waited with my hot cup of morning tea....
To my joy as I took my first sip of tea along came not one, but two Robins, one Bluetit, four Collared Doves, one fat woodpigeon, one Songthrush, one Blackbird, one Wagtail and darting around the snow capped patio pots one Wren...Phew!
And all in only 30 minutes.
No sight of the Bluetits, probably due to the intermittent snow showers.
Blackbirds do seem to feed from the plump sultanas in the feed mix I've bought! Have put out fresh water and fat balls in a dish.