Help, the birds hate me!

yellowcrane · #1 (**permalink**) 11-12-2008, 11:35 AM

Hi,
I'm new to WAB and to bird photography having been more interested in landscape/industrial type of stuff. The great bird images in the Gallery inspired me to try some garden bird shots for fun. I live in a built up town area but I have a small yard and and a bit of garden so there are plenty of birds around.

I put a bird table and feeders in yard and some feeders in garden on low tree branches, with peanuts mixed wild bird seed and fat balls, chopped apple etc on the menu. They have been out nearly a week now and I have only had one visitor (starling) yet I can see and hear bird in all other gardens.

Camera all ready to go - no birds :-( WHY?
Any suggestions would be appreciated, Thanks (Jimmy)

tWITCH · #2 (**permalink**) 11-12-2008, 11:43 AM

Hello Jimmy

I had the same thing when I started. I think the birds have to get used to the feeders being there. I can put out a new feeder and they won't touch it for days. Have patience they'll come.

Jason Green · #3 (**permalink**) 11-12-2008, 11:49 AM

Hi Jimmy,

Maybe the birds have seen it, but are getting used to the garden before venturing in? This particularly may be the case if you haven't had feeders up before? Do your neighbours have successful feeders? If so you may just need to wait until they discover it.

Remember when they do, your feeder's location'll be imprinted on their minds and they will start to 'depend' on it, so keep it topped up.

I'm sure that when they do you'll be overrun with the variety of them!!!

DuncanE · #4 (**permalink**) 11-12-2008, 11:50 AM

Hi Jimmy,

Just give it time, if you've only just started putting food out they will need time to find it (It can take Months!). I have birds in the gardens around me and they don't realize that I have a feast waiting for them. (Thats after 2 years).

Saying that I get seaonal visitors also. The Robins in my area only tend to visit for food in spring, they're not too fussed about my food at the moment, although they like my fat balls when its freezing. And I dont see my Goldfinches often between mid-September and January.

But as I said, give them time and they will come.

barquar · #5 (**permalink**) 11-12-2008, 11:56 AM

How about a photo of your set up someone may be able to say yes you got it write or tell you ways to improve it. But patients is a virtue.
Barquar

Kayleigh · #6 (**permalink**) 11-12-2008, 04:18 PM

Hi and welcome to Wab..like others have said give them time and they will come.

Pippa · #7 (**permalink**) 11-12-2008, 04:53 PM

I have been feeding the birds forever, but just moved here in March.

It takes the birds a while to accept change but i am so thrilled 9 months on.Be patient Jimmy,they'll come

and welcome from another newbie

tWITCH · #8 (**permalink**) 11-12-2008, 11:20 PM

I have just ( yeah passed midnight ) changed the seed on one of my containers. From niger seed to sunflowers hearts. I will explain later.
x

Jason Green · #9 (**permalink**) 11-12-2008, 11:28 PM

Um... you fancied a few niger seeds yourself?

Bet it was cold!!

tWITCH · #10 (**permalink**) 11-12-2008, 11:58 PM

Oh I hanker after greenfinches but the house sparrows have grown used to the SH in the feeder near my kitchen window. I think it's only fair that i refill with a seed that the HS like. Santa has leeked a gift to me. I'm getting a bird table from my sis, I'm so excited.