| Re: 3 quick questions
Hi Vinny
Peanuts and Sunflower seeds seem the best for Nuthatch but as in all forms of bird life, laying on the right feed doesn't guarantee the birds will come.
I have a few feeding stations in my garden and get GSW frequently, even get Green Woodpecker occasionally. I hear Nuthatch quite often but as yet have never seen one in my garden.
Water Rail can be a game of patience. If you know a reserve that holds them then an early start may be needed. You need to listen out for their pig like squealing and then just keep your eye on the reed edges to see if they come out. Alternatively a lot of Water Rail have become quite confiding around feeder stations. Try and find out if any of the reserves in you area have such a feeder station that has Water Rail visiting them and if so then that is where you need to be. I have had up to four Water Rail's together at a feeding station and they have been there for ages totally at ease with their surroundings.
Regarding Hobby. I am a bit uncomfortable on why you want to know where Hobby nest. Even if I knew I wouldn't divulge it as they are protected. What I will say is that Haldon Hill usually has a few that arrive there on migration. I have watched some at very close quarters from the raptor viewpoint there.
I will add that if you find any nesting birds (Hobby or otherwise) please stay well clear as disturbance can have disastrous consequences.
John |