Parakeet on sunflowers

[Jersali]

After watching the sunflowers for several weeks in the hope that Goldfinches would once again grace us with their presence - I was surprised to see this parakeet (through the window), one of three that spent a few minutes on the sunflowers and then to the feeders before noisily flying off
Still yet to see Goldfinches that have been regular visitors although the visit prompted Starlings, Blue tit, Dunnock, Greenfinches, Collared doves, a Chaffinch and a Blackbird, the most I've seen in the garden for weeks...

[Jim Ford]

I'm getting a bit fed up with 6 parakeets visiting our sunflower seed feeders - they empty them in no time. I don't spend £100 a year to feed an alien species! I'm starting to only use the caged feeder.

Jim

[Jersali]

Yeah I think I would find that frustrating Jim, the local cats, dogs, people and the size/location of my garden severely limit avian visitors anyway. This year there have been feeders untouched and we have thrown away uneaten fat snacks that went mouldy.

[billybirder]

Originally Posted by Jersali

This year there have been feeders untouched and we have thrown away uneaten fat snacks that went mouldy.

I noticed mould on the fatballs her too.. but the birds are really increasing this week so I've replaced them and they are tucking in..

[tigertom]

Originally Posted by Jersali

Yeah I think I would find that frustrating Jim, the local cats, dogs, people and the size/location of my garden severely limit avian visitors anyway. This year there have been feeders untouched and we have thrown away uneaten fat snacks that went mouldy.

Put some feeders with nyjer or sunflower harts in if you have goldfinches about they will soon find them and don't think size of garden makes much difference to them my mate shrike only has very small garden gets loads of goldfinches but not much else
MIKE

[Shrike]

Originally Posted by tigertom

Put some feeders with nyjer or sunflower harts in if you have goldfinches about they will soon find them and don't think size of garden makes much difference to them my mate shrike only has very small garden gets loads of goldfinches but not much else
MIKE

yep thats about right mike , i get 4 regular visitors Goldies on the niger/sunflower hrts , collared doves underneath , starlings and House Sparrows on the fatballs.

[Jersali]

Will give it a try, thanks guys
Al

[Jim Ford]

You're better off with whole sunflower seeds - they don't go mouldy like the 'hearts'. I can never see the point in hearts, unless it's to reduce mess.

Jim

[tigertom]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

You're better off with whole sunflower seeds - they don't go moldy like the 'hearts'. I can never see the point in hearts, unless it's to reduce mess.Jim

The goldfinch's I get not that keen on whole sunflower seeds and much prefer hearts never had problems with mold never in feeders long enough
MIKE

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by tigertom

The goldfinch's I get not that keen on whole sunflower seeds and much prefer hearts never had problems with mold never in feeders long enough.

Our goldfinches eat the nijer seeds provided, and spend most of the daylight hours on the feeder.

Others have commented on sunflower 'hearts' going mouldy/rancid. The husk on a sunflower seed is there to protect it and keep it fresh against the environment, and can do so for over a year. Remove the husk and it's vulnerable to mould and oxidation of the oils, causing the kernel to become rancid. This can happen in storage, even before you buy it.

Jim