Feeders

rossbells · #1 (**permalink**) 15-02-2010, 02:49 PM

Today, the 15/02/10 I have put in my garden for the 1st time to feeders. These are wild bird seed and Fat Balls. They have only been in the garden for about an hour but so far I have :
A pair of coal tits,
A pair of chaffinches,
A robin which seems to boss everybody about,
A bullfinch,
A blackbird,
And 2 magpies.

Robin likes the fat balls and the rest of the songbirds like the seeds, the blackbird just scavenges around on the decking. I am buzzing even seeing this little birds in my garden, I live in the suburbs of a busy town. Am I sad, lol? I hope to attract a sparrowhawk. Word really does travel fast in the bird world.

Simples · #2 (**permalink**) 15-02-2010, 02:58 PM

Well done! Expect to see many more birds. You will discover that they all have a preference for one thing or another. For example goldfinches are addicted to nyjer seed (nyger, niger, thistle) blackbirds and starlings love mealworms, and most tits love peanuts. However don't put out whole peanuts (except in feeders) in spring as they can choke young birds.

A word of caution - please be aware of the dangers posed by plastic nets that fatballs and peanuts are often sold in. Use sturdy feeders such as sold by the RSPB here: Please enable your cookies Cheaper feeders are available in most pet and garden stores, but make sure they are well made with properly fitting tops and no sharp edges.

Also, put food at a variety of heights, hanging, tables, on the ground etc and you will attract a wider variety of birds. Just be sure not to allow a build up of stale food which can cause disease.

Enjoy your birding

PS You know sparrowhawks will eat your other birds don't you?!

citychick · #3 (**permalink**) 15-02-2010, 04:33 PM

OMG! Well done you! I have been struggling to attract birds in my garden for almost a year now and get no where near as much variety as that!

How well established is planting in your garden if you dont mind my asking? Any pics?

aeshna5 · #4 (**permalink**) 15-02-2010, 04:40 PM

That's an excellent start. Very encouraging for you, I'm sure.

Cheryl · #5 (**permalink**) 15-02-2010, 09:37 PM

Well done - what a great start. How lucky you are to get a Bullfinch - not that I'm jealous

rossy · #6 (**permalink**) 15-02-2010, 10:02 PM

blimey thats some going rossbells , all i can say is the birds near you must be hungry, but well done and keep up the good work as they need plenty, rossy

rossbells · #7 (**permalink**) 17-02-2010, 05:58 PM

have also had a pair of blue tits, female bullfinch, starlings and a wren in the garden past couple of days. Also a pair of birds i have been unable to identify.

Our estate has been up a few years, beside a rugby pitch. There is great cover for the birds in the conifer trees right beside the feeder. I had the plastic feeder hanging out but i took it back in as I didnt think it would be safe for the birds. I could sit and watch them all day. Thankfully the grey squirrels have decided to stay away thus far...