Gold Finches?

[mucher]

Have 2 feeders in the garden 1 sunflower hearts 1 niger seed had a regular 12 to 25 goldfinch visiting earlier this year,got another 8 port niger feeder in anticipation for winter and very few goldfinches visiting?.
Note !have seen Sparrow Hawk kill Blackbird in garden!
Is this why there not coming?any advice appreciated.

[aeshna5]

I've had similar experiences in my garden where I've had 20+ Goldfinches visiting on a daily basis + then the garden deserted. I was aware of regular Sparrowhawk visits + this may well be a factor that a particular feeding area maybe avoided if the birds feel at risk.

It may also be that the birds are finding an abundant alternative natural source of food. Down my road there are small flocks in the planted Italian Alders which are a popular food source as the birds extract the seeds from the cones.

They could be using tree seeds- as well as alder species, birches, larches + even London Planes are popular with Goldfinches as well as popular herbaceous species such as Teasels, thistles, burdock etc.

Hopefully when natural supplies diminish your Goldfinches will return.

[FUDGEY]

I have found Goldfinches and also Siskin like to rotate their sites. I always have at least 6 Nyger feeders up for them in the Winter and noticed last year I would have 50 plus Goldfinches for several days then they would dissapear for a couple of days. Siskins would do the same and sometimes they were both there together. The likes of the Chaffinch, Brambling and Tits were there every day though. Dont think it has anything to do with the Sparrowhawk as it had several strikes every day at my feeding station and they kept coming back afew minutes later.

[nightshade]

Birds must of necessity visit more than one food source, re. Sparrow Hawk these beautiful birds are part of life, just doing what they do! moving your feeders nearer cover and out of a direct flightline helps.

[mucher]

Thanks for your replies.