Urban help?

[Yorkie82]

Hi All
I am new to this site and new to feeding birds!
I have recently moved to Manchester and would love to attract some birds to my urban garden. I currently have a bird feeder with 2 seed feeders, a nut feeder, a 'fruit fat block' in the suet holder and 4 fat balls.
We dont have any birds which come into the garden except the odd magpie or pigeon and yesterday I was elated to see my first blackbird picking at the bread under the feeder, however Im concerned that we wont get any birds at all! I know we have to be patient however I dont see any birds, other than gulls and pidgeons even flying near our house let along sitting on fences etc etc.
can anyone give me any advice on urban birds, will they find it? what birds could I eventually get in my garden ??
thank you in advance for any help/tips/advice/knowledge you can offer

[solus]

Rule number one - be patient! It can take birds a while to "find" a new source of food and water (very important, fresh water!).

Give it time and you should see Robin, Blackbird, Dunnock, Blue Tit, Great Tit and House Sparrow; possibly Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Long-tailed Tit, Starling, Collared Dove...

[Deb London]

Hi Yorkie, Can you post a picture of your garden? Might help members here identify any problems and come up with solutions. Deb

[Yorkie82]

I know I have to be patient but I find myself looking all the time just in case I miss one!!

I didnt realise we would get so many different types, I was pretty spoilt with all the birds at my parents everything from Pheasants, woodpeckers and Jays to all different finches and tits!

I will try and post a pic... I realise we could do with some bushes or a hedge Its on the agenda when we can get out in the garden

[Yorkie82]

unsure what i have done but as you can tell pic hasnt uploaded, how do I do it?
Thanks

[angelika611]

I have a small urban garden and only just starting planting just over 2 years ago,the small birds come in and out quick because the trees are bare and my shrubs arn't establised enough yet,birds need cover and perches else they wont come if they dont feel safe,all the food you put wont get them come without trees and shrubs im hoping this summer mine get bigger and bushier.

[counterlady]

I appreciate what you say but no trees and shrubs will stop birds coming for food. Its just down to patience. Somewhere to perch and fly too is all that is needed - they'll quite happily sit on a washline - fence, garage roof etc.

I have plenty of trees but must say hardly saw many birds only flying over. I started putting food out on a bird table that is in the middle of my garden - meaning the birds have to come right out into the open (its a big garden) to get to the food. I started in November and after about 3 weeks the madness began I now have to top the table up at least twice a day

I even had a Woodcock in the garden the other day

Keep going eventually you will be very happy. Check out one of my threads called What to feed birds - some great comments on there as to what will attract them. I was just putting out the boring seeds from the supermarket but have now been more adventurous and the birds are loving it.

[counterlady]

Originally Posted by Yorkie82

unsure what i have done but as you can tell pic hasnt uploaded, how do I do it?
Thanks

Again see one of my threads called "cant upload pictures" some great help on there too

[counterlady]

PS meant to say a big welcome to the site as well

You'll find like many of us you spend your spare time on here or searching gardens etc to spot an animal somewhere. Its a fabulous site you'll find everything on here

[free spirit]

Welcome Yorkie, I too am A Yorky, I had the same problem. It took me Half a year to attract Blue Tits. I have all the usual suspects, but of late we have had Black Caps. Read what the members have to say they are the experts, and you won't go far wrong.
Dont forget Patience is a rewarding Virtue.
Free Spirit