Rate my Feeder!

[Stinkhorn]

I am new to feeding birds, I started 3 weeks ago. Please could I have some feedback on my birdfeeder. Pictures enclosed. We have peanuts, Suet insect bites, coconut fat feeder, Nyger seeds and a bird bath.

So far we have had Blackbirds, Collared Doves, Great Tits, Blue Tits, Coal Tits and Robins. Things are still very quiet though, so I would some tips please.
Thanks

[Pete Collins]

Sounds like you are doing quite well already, Stinkhorn! It always takes times for birds to find a new source of food, I'm sure your bird numbers and species will increase over time. Obviously the types of bird that you attract will depend on the surrounding habitat.

Birds need cover, somewhere they can easily flee to when they spot a predator. Possibly you could move the feeder slightly nearer your Leylandii (or whatever) hedge. But it looks as if its farirly close anyway.

Water is important too - is there somewhere for the birds to drink?

I'm sure someone more knowledgable than me will be along soon!

[camo]

Hi Stinkhorn

Looks good to me and with the tree cover behind it is only time before they attack it with gusto. To be picky you may have a lit more fat stuff than seed and I would be inlcined to swap or add a mixed seed feeder.

As you are new to feeding have you also thought about putting up a couple of nest boxes, now is the perfect time and as you get more visitors it will add to your interest.

Roy

[Madelinew]

Excellent results - well done

I agree about perhaps moving it nearer some cover or perhaps you could just supplement what you have by hanging things in nearby trees. I've recently had a lot of success with coconut halves from Chapelwood supplies - my local garden centre stocks them.

Water is a good idea - perhaps an excuse to buy a bird bath! Niger seeds are great for attracting goldfinches. Never use whole peanuts unless they are in a peanut feeder where birds have to chip away at them to break them down. Never use anything in these nets that you can buy (fatballs and peanut hangers often supplied in these) as they can tangle in the feet of birds and end up blowing around the garden when they're empty.

Apart from those pearls of wisdom enjoy!

[Stinkhorn]

thanks guys, getting a bird box this pm.

[Steve_In_Cheshire]

Thats a very nice set up, with the food thats on offer i think i could be tempted round never mind the birds

I`m fairly new to feeding birds myself, i found it was just a matter of patience waiting for the birds to get confident with the feeders. You already have an excellent list of birds that visit your garden, well done.

[camo]

Originally Posted by Stinkhorn

thanks guys, getting a bird box this pm.

Hi Stinkhorn

well done, the birds are just checking out nest sites so I hope you have some tenants soon.

Roy

[Pippa]

Hi S I think you are doing great and i also have a similar feeding station.Super that you have a bird bath too as water can sometimes be even more important than food.

As Pete says, it does depend on what birds are in your area.I have been feeding birds for over 20 years now and we just moved here last March.Back home we had many birds but no Goldfinches and rarely saw them although i did all the right things, yet here,in a much smaller garden, i have 20 + visiting at a time which i am thrilled with.

Just do what you feel is right for your birds.This is a good site for you to learn all about them too.

I actually live close to a busy B road ,although we are still semi rural and back onto fields and we get more than our fair share of birds ,including the Sparrowhawk.

[Pam_M]

Originally Posted by Stinkhorn

I am new to feeding birds, I started 3 weeks ago. Please could I have some feedback on my birdfeeder. Pictures enclosed. We have peanuts, Suet insect bites, coconut fat feeder, Nyger seeds and a bird bath.

So far we have had Blackbirds, Collared Doves, Great Tits, Blue Tits, Coal Tits and Robins. Things are still very quiet though, so I would some tips please.
Thanks

I would add a feeder of sunflower hearts if you have space! Most birds are partial to the hearts and you may find it will attract Green and Goldfinch to your garden!
You are doing well for only starting 3 weeks ago! Well done! With plenty of regular food and fresh water your garden will soon be buzzing with plenty of bird species!

[Hedera]

You are doing great! The only thing I would add is a flat tray type of table, could be hung, as some birds are not keen to perch on feeders. Easy to make, or RSPB do one with a roof you could put two hooks in and hang it up. Dunnocks and robins, blackbirds etc would use it. Do get a bird bath: even a large plant saucer would do. It's fun watching their ablutions.