[dc2009]

Hi everyone!

After recently moving homes I've erected a new bird table (attached to the fence) which is now being regularly visited by Starlings, Magpies, Pigeons and Squirrels. On this I've been putting a mixture of wild bird mix, fat blocks (with insects/berries) and some sunflower hearts/ peanuts. The foods vanishing so fast I can't keep up!

The house is on a new estate so the garden has nothing in it though I've planted some honeysuckles, pyracantha and buddleia's which I believe are supposed to provide a food source and attract insects for the birds. I also have planted some clematis to provide them with some cover.

I am hoping to have a tree, what sort would be best for the birds - was thinking of a Japanese Maple but don't know if there are maybe better options that could be possibly grown in a pot so as to not let them get too large?

Have seen some blue tits around but think the large birds are keeping them away from the table so am contemplating getting a feeding station. I could then put the fat, peanuts and sunflower hearts here maybe closer to the house as the table is at the end of the garden - would anyone recommend this or do you think as the garden is not yet established it would not be used?

Looking online the seed feeder trays say they encourage more birds to use them and prevent spillage, but I am wondering if then the large birds would dominate these too and sit on the trays? Has anyone experience of using these - what did you find?

Sorry for the many questions, any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks! :-)