Was that a Magpie and cup of tea I wonder,is there any goodness in sycamore seeds or ash seeds there always seam to be lots under the trees don't the birds eat them,may be someone will find a use for them one day.
I often put feed in a cage on the ground so that the smaller birds can get in but the bigger ones can't. It's an old wall basket and I had it up against a large square pot. You can buy the but you could rig something similar up if you don't want to do that. I put some out for the other birds too but it means all the little ones get a chance before the food's eaten by the big birds! The blackbirds can get their heads through the gaps and take the bits at the edge. I also have a hanging bird table and I have a few twigs across the front and back which does the same job of keeping the bigger birds out, although the magpies have a good go at it. The resident robin loves it
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Ah thank you, as I hate not feeding the ground feeders, but resent the Magpies coming along and frightening off the smaller birds, and eating all the food. I will give your idea ago.
I just had a look online for those ground cage feeders kjt - knew I'd seen them somewhere! The RSPB sells them but they're quite pricey. I reckon you could rig up something similar fairly easily.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I have made cheap and easy magpie and pigeon proof feeders by using wire hanging baskets. Just clip or tie them back to back and hang the feeder inside. Use any size basket according to size of feeders ..Simples! I have also cut pieces of 5cm square plastic mesh to size and clipped to the ends and sides of my bird table. and there's more... Use an upside down wire basket, place on a plant pot saucer , but make sure you have drainage holes or the feed will have a soggy bottom.
There is always enough for the pigeons where the birds drop bits from the other tree hangers.
Posts
Its good for the survival of Sycamore/Ash trees I guess that nothing eats the seeds
I often put feed in a cage on the ground so that the smaller birds can get in but the bigger ones can't. It's an old wall basket and I had it up against a large square pot. You can buy the but you could rig something similar up if you don't want to do that. I put some out for the other birds too but it means all the little ones get a chance before the food's eaten by the big birds! The blackbirds can get their heads through the gaps and take the bits at the edge. I also have a hanging bird table and I have a few twigs across the front and back which does the same job of keeping the bigger birds out, although the magpies have a good go at it. The resident robin loves it
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I just had a look online for those ground cage feeders kjt - knew I'd seen them somewhere! The RSPB sells them but they're quite pricey. I reckon you could rig up something similar fairly easily.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
FG, could you show us a pic of your ground feeding arrangement?
I think I posted a pic last year art. I'll try and find it.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Thanks FG
Hi ktj,
I have made cheap and easy magpie and pigeon proof feeders by using wire hanging baskets. Just clip or tie them back to back and hang the feeder inside. Use any size basket according to size of feeders ..Simples! I have also cut pieces of 5cm square plastic mesh to size and clipped to the ends and sides of my bird table. and there's more... Use an upside down wire basket, place on a plant pot saucer , but make sure you have drainage holes or the feed will have a soggy bottom.
There is always enough for the pigeons where the birds drop bits from the other tree hangers.
Here it is art
Most of the slabs have now been moved as I'm putting a lawn here so I'll need to find another little spot for the 'cage'
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...