When the birds find my table?

[sidneyworm]

I put a bird table in my garden over 2 weeks ago, with hanging fat balls and a bag of peanuts. Nothing has been touched yet. There are bird tables in some gardens a few houses away either side of me and they seem to get all the birds! On average how long before the birds will find my table?

[ron1863]

Hi and a warm welcome to WAB.
Where have you sited the table. It helps to have it near a hedge, tree or fence as it provides the birds with some cover - small birds don't really like being out in the open. Try feeders with Niger and Sunflower seeds, as a lot of birds love these.
A lot of birds will be nesting around now plus the weather is warming and insect life is available for the birds, so garden activity reduces but will pick up when the young leave the nest.

[Tursiops2]

Hi sidneyworm and welcome to the forum.

It's impossible to give a definitive answer to your question as there are many possible factors involved. In your case, if there are well-supplied feeding stations already nearby, it may simply be that the birds' needs are already met, and they have little motivation to find new supplies, especially now that natural food sources are increasing.

Time of year is probably also a factor - the breeding season has started, birds are settling into their summer territories, and will be less inclined to roam in search of food. I suggest you maintain just one or two feeders over the summer, and increase them in the autmn. Probably not what you want to hear, but Nature works to her own schedule. Be patient, they will come .
T2

PS Do you put water out? Fresh drinking/bathing water is always in demand.

[sidneyworm]

Originally Posted by ron1863

Hi and a warm welcome to WAB.
Where have you sited the table. It helps to have it near a hedge, tree or fence as it provides the birds with some cover - small birds don't really like being out in the open. Try feeders with Niger and Sunflower seeds, as a lot of birds love these.
A lot of birds will be nesting around now plus the weather is warming and insect life is available for the birds, so garden activity reduces but will pick up when the young leave the nest.

It is sited next to an Acer tree and also two fences at the top end of my garden, so quiet and out of hte way, a lot of cover is available too. May be it is the time of year so I'll have to wait and see. I don't have water there (as someone else suggested) can you get a water feeder that hangs below a bird table?

[Nettle Runner]

I added two new feeders (squirel proof) amongst my existing feeders about a week ago.
All the existing feeders have been emptied, but the new ones are still full.
I think it is a matter of time before anything new becomes accepted.
Les

[Tursiops2]

Originally Posted by sidneyworm

I don't have water there (as someone else suggested) can you get a water feeder that hangs below a bird table?

The best way to supply water (if you haven't got a pond) is in a shallow open container - almost anything will do, from an upturned dustbin lid to a specially-made bird bath. Ponds are best though
T2

[sidneyworm]

Originally Posted by Tursiops2

The best way to supply water (if you haven't got a pond) is in a shallow open container - almost anything will do, from an upturned dustbin lid to a specially-made bird bath. Ponds are best though
T2

I have two small ground level bird baths away from the bird house which I suppose count, although I've never seen any birds in their either!

[Marcia]

I use a big plant saucer for a bird bath and change the water every two days or so. The birds literally queue (some jump the queue) to have a go.