I want finches...

[actionfinch]

Since getting into birds , its great to see the variaty of species in the garden, that i have got so far, whether it be a one of visit or a regular one.
i get a chaffinch who comes down daily which im seriously thinking of giving a name to..., and a one off visit by 2 goldfinches.
i so want to see more of the finches in my garden but have no joy despite putting up to feeders of nyger seed for them.. i know there around the area where i live.
the question is will i be able to attract some or not.
any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

am i just asking to much of mother nature , being to greedy..who knowa.
cheers....

[badgerwatcher]

Hi Actionfinch,
It took months for me to lure goldfinches from the Downs onto my feeders. Keep the nyger seed fresh and they'll get used to it. I get them in their dozens now.

[elvisoneill]

actionfinch

Once the days start getting short, the temperature starts dropping and they

can't find food so easily I'd guess your feeder will become a lot more popular!

best

Elvis

[Richard G.]

I'd also suggest sunflower hearts. Bullfinches and Greenfinches always go for that in my garden and Goldfinches sometimes too.

[nigel_b]

Be consistent, keep the feeders topped up. Get a variety out there, fat balls peanuts, etc but not so many you can't keep up with.

[slimrbp]

On our feeders we regularly get Goldfinches and Greenfinches and they are happy to scoff sunflower hearts.
As Elvis says once the winter starts to kick in you will likely get a few more visitors. I am pretty certain that's how we got on the map as there were very few finches last year.

[Dick Glasgow]

As well as my feeders, I always supply fresh, clean water nearby, for my avian friends.

I regularly get Greenfinches, occasionally Goldfinches & Siskins, Great, Coal & Blue Tits, but sadly Bullfinches are very, very rare in this area. I've only seen a handful in 18 years!

Robins & Dunnocks are delightful daily visitors, but Song Thrushes only visit when the Winter Weather is very severe & Blackbirds are just as rare.

I do have a squadron of around 3 dozen House Sparrows which invade, every day, but they're cheerful & entertaining, so are welcome.

Ooops, nearly forgot to mention the regular visits by Rooks, Jays & Jackdaws & the odd sighting & pretty regular evidence of ... the Sparrowhawk!

I guess what I'm trying to say is, keep at it, but all the while enjoy & make the most of the birds you do get. They're all fascinating little critters in their own special ways. I, like you, am a big fan of the little brown jobs. They have brought me a lifetime of pleasure.

Cheers
Dick

[SuzieandFlo]

My "secret weapon" to attract finches is Budgie Tonic .
I go regularly to my local pet shop and buy some budgie tonic, budgie 50/50 and canary seed (not the mix with little yellow biscuit in it , just plain canary seed). "My" finches can't get enough of this and even the starlings tuck in to the budgie tonic .
I am currently doing a food trial to see which of the above 3 is most liked. I used to make a mix of all 3 in one feeder which was always emptied in a day. Now I am trying them individually in their own feeders. So far , budgie tonic is always eaten first, then budgie 50/50 (white millet and canary seed), with the plain canary seed being left until the other 2 are finished. I will also switch the feeders around as there is one particular feeder the birds use first. Is it the feeder or the food in it that they prefer ?
House Sparrows particularly enjoy millet sprays. When available to them , they always go for the millet sprays before eating from any feeder .

[actionfinch]

A great big thank you for all your ideas , i will, like u say keep at . i do have most food stuffs that have been mentioned .and even made a feeder from a plastic milk carton which i have fille with nyger seed.