Hello

[PamelaJoyS]

Hi everyone my name is Pam
I have just started feeding the birds in my garden over the last few months.
I have really been enjoying the different birds that are now coming. Nyjer seed definately works for goldfinches, although I don't see them that often.
The greenfinches love sunflower hearts.
Starlings and jackdaws have been a concern as they do take over and eat virtually everything going at high speed (especially the starlings).
I have decided to try and make my small garden welcoming to all birds - I will continue to put out food for the larger birds, but may also buy a feeder with a guard for smaller birds.
Suet cakes go in half a day at the present (starlings) and at nearly £3 each, I need to find a solution.
Any advice gratefully received!
Many Thanks
Pam

[Boddie]

Yep I found the same with suet cakes but it was the squirels that TWOC'ed them. Naughty monkies. Welcome to the site Pam

[Alan]

Hello Pamala, and a warm welcome to WAB

You'll probably find that the starlings/jackdaws are more attracted by the suet/soft food stuffs. To cater for the smaller birds it's best to stick to seed type food. You can buy feeders that have large size mesh round the outside, these are usually sold as squirrel proof feeders. I believe you can also get cage like ones to go on the floor, which let smaller birds through. Whatever you intend to do, remember starlings etc still need our help as well!

Hope this helps and good luck

Alan

[Beryl]

Hi Pamala. Welcome to the wab
Beryl.

[Wild-Woman]

Hello and welcome PamelaJoys. Glad to hear you are feeding the birds, they need all the help they can get. I certainly agree with you that it is expensive. My advice would be to order in bulk over the net, compare prices and if you are adventurous enough have a go at making your own. A bit of fun, Blue Peter makes bird cakes every year.
Glad to have you on board WAB-we ALL love wildlife on here and could talk about it'until the cows come home'! ww

[Chalk Downlanders]

I have Starlings, Jackdaws and Seagulls that demolish any food I put out. So I make my own. Line a large cake tin with foil, fill with goodies and top up with fat. It's cheap and they love it.

Kev

[cherrybee]

hello Pamala and a very warm welcome to WAB

[Ollie]

Hello Pam, a very warm welcome to WAB from me. You seem to have much the same problem as many regarding feeding the birds, me included. sure it will all work out fine in the end
Roger

[gmsmith]

Hi Pam, A very warm welcome to WAB, as everyone above say's they need help, and well done to you for helping out, it has it's rewards, and worth every penny.

Geoff

[canonman]

Hi Pam
A warm welcome to WAB.
Good idea putting a cage around your feeders, but please remember it may take the birds some time to get use to this.
Also you can make your own suet cakes and add other bits to it i.e. cheese, this is ok for the winter but in the summer when it's hot I’m sorry to say they tend to melt and leave a right mess on the floor.
Anyway glad you enjoy feeding the birds; I know they give a lot of pleasure
Mick

[Tinkerbell]

Following the strong winds of yesterday and this a.m. we have had a flock of sparrows in the garden, apparently feeding on fallen seeds. Since we have masses of aqualegia, doronicum etc. which are going over perhaps we might gather the seed heads and use the seeds to attract the smaller birds, rather than putting them in the 'green' bin.

Tink

[PamelaJoyS]

Thank you all for welcoming me to the site and for your good advice.
As mentioned, I will definately still put out food for all birds, just want the smaller ones to get a look in too!!
The starlings love the general bird seed, but don't seem to be attacking the sunflower hearts quite so much.
Best Wishes
Pam

[jezlee]

Hi Pam and welcome to WAB!

I have had the same problem with the starlings as you, but at least the little birds get a look-in on the seed and nut feeders - the Starlings will wolf down any suet slabs put out - they are demolished pretty quickly!

I even put out two halves of a coconut this year .... and both of these were stolen by squirrels!! I looked out of the kitchen window and the little blighter was hopping across the lawn with his teeth into the rim of the coconut ... having first climbed the feeder pole and bitten his way through the string it was dangling from!

They really are cheeky sods, those grey squirrels ...

[FungiJohn]

Hi Pamela and a very warm welcome to WAB. I'm sure you will enjoy the site.
John

[Jonny]

Hello Pam and welcome here. Thats good work your doing there................Jon

[May]

Welcome to WAB Pamela!

[rlchew]

Hello Pam

A warm welcome to WAB.

It sounds like you are really enjoying attracting the birds to your garden. Unfortunately I live in a second floor flat so I do not have that pleasure. Keep up the good work.

Richard