attracting birds to my garden

[Cheekystar]

I've hung bird nuts on the fence and in the tree hedge, I've put up a small bird table, used a bird feeder on my window, but stil not birds, I live on a housing estate which has parks etc and lots of trees and fields, any ideas?

[Robinia]

It depends how long these things have been there - it can sometimes take a while for the birds to appear. Maybe some have flitted in & out without you noticing & word will spread in the birdy world once they become confident. However, you might find that they won't come to your window feeder, some never seem to gain the confidence to come that close. Having said that I have 4 blackbirds who regularly come to the window sill for currants...they're costing me a fortune!

The more shrubby your garden is the better, as it will provide shelter & a hiding place for your birds. If you don't have many try planting some taller growing evergreens.
And I'm sure you haven't forgotten to provide water - just small pots dotted around the garden always seem popular & a bird bath can provide you with some hilarious free entertainment.

Don't give up! they're probably watching you right now... :o)

[CSG2306]

Hi Cheekystar,

As Robena has said, it takes time. Leave well alone for a few weeks or even longer. Once the birds feel save enough they will use your feeder and table forevermore.

Regards

[perose]

You could try sunflower hearts, this attracts all the finches, and the bits and peices they drop attract the ground feeding birds. We also live on an estate and get loads of birds, we fill our feeder daily. You could try moving your bird table to a different position until you find one they like. We also feed blackbirds on the patio with sultanas and chopped up cheese. Have you got a bird bath? they do like water. Good luck they are a joy to watch, we have about 8 gold finches on our feeder and tree at the moment.

[allotment10]

be patient, as everyone has said it will take a couple of weeks for them to get used to you putting food out for them, when i first took my allotment on it took about 3-4 weeks before they started coming and now they virtually queue up waiting ;-)

[Robinia]

don't they just allotment!

and can I just add Cheekystar that in few weeks the birds will be building little housing estates of their own & doing what birds do in the spring....and boy, does that give them an appetite! ....they'll be taking seed away in backpacks....

[allotment10]

exactly robina, costs a small fortune but worth every penny :-)

[Cheekystar]

thanks.. I've planted some insect attracting shrubs, and put every type of bird food imaginable out, we've been here nearly 3 months now

[lafrancaise]

You don't happen to have a cat do you? or a neighbour's cat that comes into the garden? That puts them off.

[perose]

nice comment lafrancaise, we have just ordered a cat deterrent as our dog died recently, she kept all the cats away. We want to keep our birds!

[Cheekystar]

no cat, and I've not seen one in the garden

[carrust]

http://www.sbsg.org/

Click on the Handsworth garden page & look at the feeder log. I use a mixture of melted lard & finely chopped peanuts (done in a food processor)