We have over 3 feet of snow, and it's still snowing. Yet the birds are still flying in and out of my profuse Russian vine to their food on one of these feeding stands you buy in garden centres. Just wild bird seed mix, peanuts and fatballs. Dozens od sparrows and starlings, a few collared doves a robin, a blackbird and some coaltits...and loads of pigeons that quite greedily gobble up all that falls. I deliberately place the bits on the feeder so that the pigeons can't reach the mixed seed.
If you want to make sure that the small birds get their share of the seeds and nuts, buy a globe shaped feeder.The bigger birds can't get through the bars.Also make sure there is a supply of water.I buy my bird food in 25kg bags from Vinehousefarm.I have Niger,Peanuts and won't grow mixed seed plus fat balls.I have all the common garden birds as well as crows,jackdaws,collared doves,magpies.
I was bothered by my feeding of the birds that come down a family of blackbirds the baby one is fluffy and it looks as if his wings are to long for him, they look like a penquin,and blue tits come down with thee doves and the robins have just returned i have a magpie that comes down for the peanuts. I emailed a letter vet, about feeding I put plenty down fatballs seeds and peanuts and wondered about bread, and its not really good for them, as bread has no energy values, it was a lovely reply, and I now know I am doing the right thing.
Thanks for all your comments. I saw the robin again this morning - I think it and the blackbird come just as dawn is breaking, while it's still quite dark, to get some food before the pigeons. Still nothing on the feeders. I'll monitor the situation on the weekend to see if I have any more visitors! Kate
I wonder if your seed mix is part of the problem. We had a big surge in interest in our feeders when we upgraded to a luxury mix from a specialist bird food provider. The number and types of birds coming to the garden increased dramatically.I see other posts commenting on the range of foods they put out and that seems to be linked with success. The antics of the birds are so enjoyable - I do hope you find a way of persuading them to visit your garden
Hi dianap, it's top quality stuff (see previous blog post here). The tits only seem to come in spring when they're feeding their young. I think it's mainly to do with it being such a young garden and there being so little shelter for them. I've got a wee robin visiting regularly now so I'm happy enough. Am looking forward to this weekend, though when I can properly observe what's visiting. Kate
hi there, i have plenty birds flying in and pigeons greedy things i used to buy my bird mix from gardens centres but got to greedy £20 odd but some cheaper but found a farmshop in old welwyn and i recomend this one.£10 a bag and its a good mix.so keep on feeding them birds as we need them to survive.
have pigeons, crows,magpies,jays,blackbirds bluetits and even a fieldfare l feed them all. l dig a patch in the snow for the bigger birds and hang fatballs in the trees,under bushes l feed suet pellets and apples for the blackbirds. also fresh water.during the bad weather saw blackbird drinking for ages. please make sure water is kept clean as it can pass on a nasty bird disease.
I have been very lucky with all sorts of birds in the garden and I do put lots of food for them, I have several feeders dotted around and also the hanging baskets that are not in use for flowers at the moment I put food for the robins in them I have 4 robins that come to the garden they don't have to be terratorial but they are and whilst they are chacing one and other the blue tits nick the food, cheeky little chappies.
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I wonder if your seed mix is part of the problem. We had a big surge in interest in our feeders when we upgraded to a luxury mix from a specialist bird food provider. The number and types of birds coming to the garden increased dramatically.I see other posts commenting on the range of foods they put out and that seems to be linked with success. The antics of the birds are so enjoyable - I do hope you find a way of persuading them to visit your garden