Using a perching log

[KentYeti]

I'm sure such things are common place amongst WAB members. But I've just placed an old, (small), tree trunk in my garden. For use as a bird perching log.

So. How do I attract the little loves to come and perch on it?

I'm not expecting a Barn Owl to sit there at 17.00 hrs every evening, (best time for photos). Well not yet anyway! LOL!

I assume I need to place some really tempting pieces of food there. Meal worms ( is that what they are called), for Robins I think. But what about attracting tits, and even our local woodpecker?

All help and advice gratefully received.

PS. Please don't tell Sunnydale about this. I had said I would cut the log into pieces for her to place in her garden up in Bakewell.



PPS. It needs to be behind that bush as I don't want my neighbour to see it. Cos he'll then realise where his prize dwarf pine tree went.

[artdemole]

If there are some small holes,cracks,crevices then seed or peanuts could be paced in there.Some broken fat balls or the seed cake variety would attract them.

[freiston]

Ours 'snakes' around a feeding post - so the birds use it to 'queue' on. I went out to take a quick picture but the birds weren't keen on having their picture taken.

[KentYeti]

Originally Posted by freiston

Ours 'snakes' around a feeding post - so the birds use it to 'queue' on. I went out to take a quick picture but the birds weren't keen on having their picture taken.

Many thanks for that.

I have thought of moving the feeding station nearing the log. i.e not the other way around as the log has a good background and just enough distance from it for the backround to be nicely out of focus. I hope!

[solus]

You could drill a few small holes and stuff fat/dried mealworms/peanuts into them if there aren't any/enough natural fissures in the right places.

[KentYeti]

I was going to go and get some mealworms this afternoon.

But went to Sheppey instead. And was rewarded by the Short Eared Owl still being there!

Mealworms tomorrow morning then.

[FUDGEY]

I drill holes in a lot of mine to get my photos. the best thing to do is to place the perch you want about a foot from your feeders and try have no other available perches close. When you want to take photos remove all your feeders except one so the birds have to cue for a feed. This way there will almost always be one waiting on your chosen perch. It is that easy

[sunnydale]

Originally Posted by KentYeti

I've just placed an old, (small), tree trunk in my garden. For use as a bird perching log.

What's MY log doing in YOUR garden???


Bryan, I'm more than happy for you to make use of MY log, especially if it encourages the Woodpecker to come and feed from it!

Some good advice below, so you'd better get cracking with boring holes and stuffing it with food!....before I change my mind!

Tracey

[KentYeti]

Originally Posted by sunnydale

What's MY log doing in YOUR garden???


Bryan, I'm more than happy for you to make use of MY log, especially if it encourages the Woodpecker to come and feed from it!

Some good advice below, so you'd better get cracking with boring holes and stuffing it with food!....before I change my mind!

Tracey

I feel very sheepish now..............

I'll be off now to drill holes etc. And get some cement to concrete it in place.

Just in case..................

[KentYeti]

Sunnydale's log is working very well as a perching log in my garden now.

Except I think she must have slipped some sort of solar trip pad on it.

The sun shines superbly on it. But the moment a bird settles on it, they must stand on the trip pad, which makes the sun go behind a cloud!

So whilst I've had a few hours sitting by the kitchen window with camera focussed on the log I've yet to get a shot of a bird in sunshine on it.

This is the only one that I've kept so far. It was at least bright light, albeit not sunshine.

The two parts of the log now visible were originally joined by a piece of bark in front of them. Making it easy to pour seeds etc into. But it had been knocked off when I looked this morning. I am sure I know who did it. Starlings, stand by your beds, extra duties for you all tomorrow. LOL!



So far I've seen Chaffinch, Robin, Blackbird, Sparrow, Great Tit, Blue Tit and the demolition squad, (Starlings), on it. I'll put some pork fat on it tomorrow and see how soon before a Magpie turns up.