Attracting birds

[kathateria]

Hello all
I am a big nature lover,and want to attract some birds.
I have a bird table,2 feeding stations,a shed roof,where I put scraps of food, and recently, I have made a pond,with lots of pond plants,which is attracting alot of insects
The main birds I see,are jackdaws, pigeons,sparrows,blackbirds,occasional song thrush and robin.
No blue tits,which saddens me,as I really love them.
I feed, nuts,wild bird seed,fat balls and bought some mealworms this week.
Can I do anymore?
What are the best locations for feeding stations,and bird tables?
I have just put one by the pond,the bird table is in a corner,a fence either side,and the other station is still in the box! The shed roof proves popular with the jackdaws

[htcdude]

Don't put the feeding stations anywhere near where a cat or something could easily sneak up on them.

Sometimes it takes time for birds to brave trying out a new spot. I put nyjer seed up on my station back in July, Goldfinches flew over all year but they only started coming in to the garden a couple of months ago.

Nige

[kathateria]

I dont usually have a problem with cats,as I have 2 dogs,but the birds dont know that.
I will move the bird table away from the corner a bit,so a cat cant reach it,if one came to the garden

[Tursiops2]

Two questions for you to answer:
1. What is your local environment like? The birds you will attract to your garden will depend on what birds are in your area, and this will depend on your local environment. If (for example) you're in a very built-up area, you will have a smaller range of species to draw on than if you are in rural surroundings.

2. What sort of planting do you have in your garden? At this time of year, birds will be concentrating more on natural food sources to feed their young; also, not all species feed on seeds etc., many are mainly insect eaters, so plants and shrubs that support large insect populations will attract those species as well as providing cover and shelter for all birds.

It is also true, as htcdude says, that birds can take a while to discover a new source of food.

T2

[kathateria]

Originally Posted by Tursiops2

Two questions for you to answer:
1. What is your local environment like? The birds you will attract to your garden will depend on what birds are in your area, and this will depend on your local environment. If (for example) you're in a very built-up area, you will have a smaller range of species to draw on than if you are in rural surroundings.

2. What sort of planting do you have in your garden? At this time of year, birds will be concentrating more on natural food sources to feed their young; also, not all species feed on seeds etc., many are mainly insect eaters, so plants and shrubs that support large insect populations will attract those species as well as providing cover and shelter for all birds.

It is also true, as htcdude says, that birds can take a while to discover a new source of food.

T2

I live in a town,so its built up.But a canal is half a mile away,and a brook 5 minutes down the road,with lots of woodland and over grown grass.
Plant wise, wild geranium,primroses,clamatis,rose,fuschia hydrenga,ivy,small rockery plants,fox gloves,some very tall plants,which are a bit like lupins,but divide up,so you can split them up,bleeding heart, and another 2 which are red leaved low level shrubs.I have lots of pots on the patio too,bedding plants mainly

[Tursiops2]

OK, that doesn't sound too bad, there's no obvious reason why you shouldn't get a reasonable selection of "garden" species visiting. In the longer term, there are probably things you could do to improve the attractiveness of your garden (if you want to), but in the short term I think it's just a question of patience.

This is the quietest time of year for feeding stations - winter visitors have left, and resident birds have dispersed to their breeding territories - so it's probably wise to reduce the amount of food you put out (there's no point in spending money needlessly). Just put some out for your local residents, and you'll find things get a bit more lively once this year's young have fledged and start to explore.

HTH
T2

[Hobjob]

Originally Posted by kathateria

I dont usually have a problem with cats,as I have 2 dogs,but the birds dont know that.
I will move the bird table away from the corner a bit,so a cat cant reach it,if one came to the garden

But not too far into the open as the little birds like a bush to dart into when the big bad sparrowhawk comes ahunting

[bigdave60dog]

As others have said give it a bit of time. Maybe a winter of feeding will get your garden recognised as birdy McDonald's. In the meantime enjoy what you have got. I love Jackdaws, Starlings and House Sparrows.
Dave

[actionfinch]

Originally Posted by kathateria

I dont usually have a problem with cats,as I have 2 dogs,but the birds dont know that.
I will move the bird table away from the corner a bit,so a cat cant reach it,if one came to the garden

I have a dog but this doesnt stop cats in my garden ....
be persistant i had a similar problem but like the other replies said give it a little time..I watch a pair of blue tits nesting a couple of doors down and most of the time they go out for the natural stuff like Tursiops2 said...but around 5-6 pm i see them on my coconut shell and fat balls....
good luck anyway...