No Tits on feeder.

[griffgrouch]

I live in Weymouth and have had a feeder in the 'garden' for a couple of months. I've seen so far...Starlings, Wood Pigeons, Collared Doves, Blackbirds (although they always feed from the floor), House Sparrows, Rooks , a few more I think.

Anyway there are always Blue and Great Tits in the Magnolia tree next door but I have yet to see them on the feeder. Any ideas?

[shei111]

[quote=griffgrouch;260274]I live in Weymouth and have had a feeder in the 'garden' for a couple of months. I've seen so far...Starlings, Wood Pigeons, Collared Doves, Blackbirds (although they always feed from the floor), House Sparrows, Rooks , a few more I think.

Anyway there are always Blue and Great Tits in the Magnolia tree next door but I have yet to see them on the feeder. Any ideas?



The feeders to me look empty or has the food been eaten by the tits when you are not there? sheila

[griffgrouch]

As for the nuts, I didn't put many in because they are not getting eaten. The suet balls are being scoffed by the starlings and Wood Pigeons. There is not much in the blue seed dispenser for the same reason as the nuts.

The black dish I have to fill up every other day, so some birds are eating well.

[andyc123]

I wonder whether they are wary as they feel too exposed on your feeder? We have several feeders in our garden and the ones very close to, or hung off trees are much more popular with the smaller birds.

The birds you mention are generally bigger bolder birds, more comfortable in open surroundings. Whislt tits are common they can still be a little wary and prefer to stay close to cover.

Incidentally I would recommend that you take the fat balls out of the bags as birds can become trapped in them. Unfortunately, I did experiance this myself a couple of years ago and had assumed that the tit had been 'hit' by a sparrow hawk. This turns out not to be true as I read recently that they can become entangled by them.

[Ollie]

Have to agree with Andy, there doesn't look to be enough cover for the smaller birds like Tits to take refuge in. It may not be possible as I don't know your garden layout but if you could site the feeders near some shrubs or small tress that the birds can dart into in case of a Sparrowhawk attack or any other danger then I think the Tits would come.
Roger

[Hobjob]

Originally Posted by Ollie

Have to agree with Andy, there doesn't look to be enough cover for the smaller birds like Tits to take refuge in. It may not be possible as I don't know your garden layout but if you could site the feeders near some shrubs or small tress that the birds can dart into in case of a Sparrowhawk attack or any other danger then I think the Tits would come.
Roger

Agree

My tits also prefer the mixed feeders and sun flower hearts.

[griffgrouch]

Originally Posted by andyc123

Incidentally I would recommend that you take the fat balls out of the bags as birds can become trapped in them. Unfortunately, I did experiance this myself a couple of years ago and had assumed that the tit had been 'hit' by a sparrow hawk. This turns out not to be true as I read recently that they can become entangled by them.

Thanks for the advice, I'll do that.

Cheers all. I might get some potted trees.

[andyc123]

Hope your potted trees increase your numbers and glad to hear that you are gonna take the advice - it certainly isnt nice finding a dead bird that you then feel somewhat responsible for

[demicav]

We get lots of Tits on the feeders but I have them situated next to some trees and there is cover. Not sure if this is anything to do with your problem. I use the usual Bird mix such as Bill Oddies garden mix, they love it. Good luck in attracting them to your garden.

[griffgrouch]

Put a new feeder up, close to next door's magnolia tree. Result within a few hours.