Bird Feeders

[Scarlettvegetable]

Hey,

I have just this morning put out my very first feeders for the little birdies that visit my 'garden'. I put out a seed feeder, a peanut feeder and one of those half coconut cake things - whatever they are called

I did a bit of reading over the past couple of days with regard to what and how to feed the birds, and I read that it may take a few days for the birds to pluck up the courage to use them, but have already had a pair of Blue Tits that have been returning repeatedly all day, a few Great Tits, a couple of Robins, and a pair of Greenfinches had a massive feast as well. There are usually Chaffinches around too but it has been windy today. Theres also a few Dunnocks on the front lawn.

The reason I posted was to ask if there are any other birds that might be attracted to the feeders?

I am just curious - it would be nice but I mainly put the food out for the Greenfinches.

Thanks!

Sara

[Ollie]

Given time you will probably get house Sparrows. Long Tailed Tits and Great Tits are a possibilty. Collared Doves and Wood Pigeons come to mind as well. If you live anywhere near woodland Greater Spotted Woodpecker are possible as well.
Ollie

[wildone]

Dunnock don't usually use feeders only table tops or the ground. They will probably get enough from under the feeders.

[Wild-Woman]

That's great. You probably already know but be careful that you only use a small mesh nut feeder for the peanuts so the birds don't take whole or large pieces out and choke their youngsters. Hope you didn't mind me saying. Hope you have hours of fun watching your little feathered mates like i do. ww

[Scarlettvegetable]

Originally Posted by Ollie

Given time you will probably get house Sparrows. Long Tailed Tits and Great Tits are a possibilty. Collared Doves and Wood Pigeons come to mind as well. If you live anywhere near woodland Greater Spotted Woodpecker are possible as well.
Ollie

I have already got Great Tits using the feeders, although at the moment Blue Tits and Green Finches are the main customers

Collared Doves make a regular appearance anyway, as do Woodpigeons, as I live right next to a wooded area. Im pretty sure there are Woodpeckers in there, I have heard something very similar!

So that would be great if they came down.

For the Dunnocks I sprinkled some seed on the front lawn, they seemed to eat it.

Thanks again

Sara

EDIT: Wild-Woman, yeah I am aware of that, I have a small mesh feeder! But thanks for pointing it out anyway! Its always worth a mention!

Sara

[carlj]

Keep an eye open for Goldfinch too.

[Scarlettvegetable]

Oo Goldfinches, they are pretty! Iv just this second had a Long Tailed Tit there, they have to be my favourite birds, they are so cute!

Thanks

[John]

Originally Posted by Scarlettvegetable

Oo Goldfinches, they are pretty! Iv just this second had a Long Tailed Tit there, they have to be my favourite birds, they are so cute!

Thanks

What seed are you using. I have a huge variety of different foods but the main feed is Sunflower Hearts. The birds go mad for it. Suet Blocks and balls pull in other birds and I have a pair of Great spotted Wodpeckers that just love the suet blocks at the moment.

It may take a while before the neighbourhood birds find your feeding station. If there are plenty of feeder stations in your area then you have to make yours irresistable by putting out the usual seed and experimenting with other seeds, Doing it this way can bring you the odd bonus.

BTW where have you placed your feeders in the garden. If it is well into the open it won't be as effective as a feeder station that is close to trees or bushes. Birds need their escape route and if the feeder station isn't close to one you will get less visiting birds.

John

[nightshade]

Goldfinches love sunflower hearts and niger seed, longtailed tits go for the suet with insects
it is quite something to see the golgfinches covering the feeders

[Scarlettvegetable]

My feeders are well off the ground and tucked onto the edge of some big tree/bush things where all the birds spent most of their time before I put the seed out. They have all been on the feeders already, so im happy!

The seed is just a mixed wild bird seed for now, they are picking out their favourite bits at the moment. It came with the feeder, so im just using that at the moment, but plan to get some sunflower hearts soon. I just wanted to see what would come down first, but as alot of birds have already been I think I will get some at the end of the week.

Id love to have Woodpeckers come down. Iv only seen them from a distance, and Goldfinches too, but Im quite happy with keeping the Greenfinches and Blue/Great Tits fat and happy!

Thanks