bird feeding

[imac]

Hi,I'm new to this site and was wondering if anyone can give me some advice.When I put food out in the garden for the birds most of it gets eaten by pigeons. Any ideas how I can prevent this?
Thanks Ian

[slimrbp]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

I know the feeling we have the same problem although they are handy for clearing up the crumbs so to speak.

I guess from this you are using a ground feeder or at least putting seed on the ground?

A hanging feeder works well as Pigeons can't perch on it (unless you put a seed catching tray underneath as I have found).

You can get 'guardians' for the ground I have one with a large mesh it lets starlings and blackbirds in but keeps out pigeon sized birds. (I got mine from the RSPB shop but quite a few places have them).

[Tobyh]

Firstly, welcome to WAB.

I would echo the advice that slimrbp has given.

If you are using hanging feeders then try to keep any perches that a pigeon can use away from them. Ground feeding can be protected so that only smaller birds can get to the food. I also find that fat that is hung up (home made blocks) are left alone by the pigeons.

Personally I hate the pigeons, they are a pain in the r's to me and will try to gobble up anything they can. Whilst they do clean up which is good, it's not funny when they outcompete other birds. You'll have to just think about how you feed. For instance - if you have a hanging seed feeder in a branch then pigeons will be under it whenever they can - try hanging it so that the food that drops will drop into an area that's protected ( I use a load of cut up blackthorn to create a spiky maze - the small birds get in fine but it does keep the pigeons out to a point) Pigeons don't like going under things to retrieve food in my opinion so that's what I do to make it awkward.

Of course pigeons are very skittish and keep watch, they are often the first indicator of cats etc and will send all the birds diving for cover when they suddenly take off.

Good luck!