Attracting my birds back help!

[photomaniac]

Hello,

In the summer i fed the bird alot on a variety of foods. I have started feeding them for the first time since october this january (just getting back into birds).

I used to get goldfinches,great tits, blue tits, bull finch, blackbirds, pigeon, sparrows, starlings, magpies, robins and some others. Oh and a wood pecker who would take some crumbled fat ball.

But since then only half of them have returned. I have been putting out mixed bird seed, bread, apple, suet ball, apple, mushed banana, grapes and fat balls and of course fresh water.

I have been doing this for 10 days and still many remain unvisited. Is there any other foods that would attract them back. Particuraly the bull finch and gold finches.

Thanks, matt

[Jason Green]

Evening Matt,

The food you've left out sounds great! Just what the birds you still have around will need.

I think it's down to the weather - have you had a lot of snow (Well, more than other areas?!) locally? If so, they may just be in milder areas - a lot of Redwings and Fieldfares, among others, have headed to Ireland. Others may have moved up or down the country according to temperatures and food availability.

As soon as the temperatures begin to rise, the birds will start to think about nesting and re-aquring territory. What a nice garden they'll find when they return, by the sound of it!

Take care,

Jason

[photomaniac]

hello,

Thanks for that i was getting worried that my garden wasn't very appatising to them anymore.

I am in east anglia and have had our fair share of snow these last 2 weeks.

Is there anything vital that needs to be added to what im feeding?

Im sure there was a fieldfare in my garden a few days ago? Is there anything distinctive to look for?

thanks, matt

[Jason Green]

Hi Matt,

Maybe sultanas, grated cheese and, was going to suggest apple but see you already do... anyone else will add others, but I can't think of anything at the moment.

As for Fieldfare; they have brown wings, a grey head and a speckly chest with a hint of yellow around the neck. Again, if I'm wrong please correct me, anyone!

[photomaniac]

Hello,

Thanks again for the reply

I will grate some cheese in the morning ready for them

One last question is what time is right, Is 7:30 ok?

Thanks, matt

[Jason Green]

Yes, 07:30am will be fine

[kezzer]

Originally Posted by photomaniac

Hello,

In the summer i fed the bird alot on a variety of foods. I have started feeding them for the first time since october this january (just getting back into birds).

I used to get goldfinches,great tits, blue tits, bull finch, blackbirds, pigeon, sparrows, starlings, magpies, robins and some others. Oh and a wood pecker
Thanks, matt

Hi Mat,
There is good detailed info found here at the RSPB, ...The RSPB: Advice: When to feed wild birds

Well worth a read, I've copied a coupled of para's for this thread, may be useful for anyone browsing who are just starting to feed birds........

" Although winter feeding benefits birds most, food shortages can occur at any time of the year. By feeding the birds year round, you'll give them a better chance to survive the periods of food shortage whenever they may occur.Temporary food shortage can occur at almost any time of the year, and if this happens during the breeding season, extra food on your bird table can make a big difference to the survival of young.
Always adjust the quantity given to the demand, Once you establish a feeding routine, try not to change it as the birds will become used to it and time their visits to your garden accordingly."

[photomaniac]

thanks

matt

[kezzer]

Hi Matt,
Have you had any luck today?

[photomaniac]

hello,

Well i was a little late getting up so birds didn't get their food till around 7:50. I then had to leave for school but my dad said the old woodpecker was on the shed fpr about 5 seconds . He said then it was the normal visitors and the normal stand off between the pigeons and the magpies. I also saw blue tits just know fly in and then out of the nest box!

matt