Feeding The Birds

[fitdarren]

I do this all year round, but put more food out in the winter months. For about six days now, I've noticed less birds are feeding and am not needing to top up again at lunch time like I always do. Has anybody else who feeds the birds noticed this and do you think they are searching for nesting sites already?

[evadora]

I still have the same amount of birds in and out all day. All kinds from the liitle wren to the blackbirds and the occassional starling. The ones I do not see that ofen this year are magpies, crows etc. I live in a fairly rural area so there are always a lot of birds. The hedgerows around here look fairly sparse still and the hedgecutting season finishes soon so maybe they will start nesting soon but not quite yet around here.

[fitdarren]

I don't think they are nesting evadora, just away looking at sites maybe. They are definitely not feeding as much here, but maybe if we get another cold spell they will be back in force again.

[rowanwitch]

Blackbirds, wrens,robins probably, but early for tits and finches unless it's been very mild in your neck of the woods. More likely they are feeding elsewhere.

[fitdarren]

It has gone milder, but still cold.

[Tilly2]

The blue tits are investigating our nest boxes and squabbling about them.

[fitdarren]

Of all the birds, it's the blue tits I've seen less of. Must be doing the same thing in my neck of the woods Tilly.

[gness]

We have noticed the same, Fitdarren. It's milder and wet so there will be more bugs and softer ground after all the frost and ice so they can add to their diet of seeds and fatty stuff.

[rowanwitch]

They mostly feed early and late this time of year, you might be missing them. I feed live waxworms early mornings and they come for those. High fat/protein sources are better at pulling in the feathered punters if there is competition from other feeders in the area.

[fitdarren]

I put the food out this morning and two blackbirds appeared very quickly, they love the mealworms, but didn't stay long. Still plenty of food out there, so no need to top up yet. I think it probably is a combination of milder days so more natural food around and some searching around for suitable nest sites. Thank you for all replies.

[andres]

I don't have as many pigeons at the moment . That tells me that the young girl down the lane is putting seed out at the moment and the birds are stopping off at her garden instead of coming up to ours. When she runs out of seed they will all be back again.

[fitdarren]

I don't encourage pigeons andres as they just peck and peck away until everything is gone! I have a special feeding 'cage' which a kind friend purchased for me as a surprise which doesn't allow anything bigger than a blackbird in, oh and a cheeky squirrel who I put out monkey nuts for.

[lankeela]

Amazes me what the birds manage to live on in the countryside where there are no mugs feeding them! (From someone who used to sell wild bird food for a living!)

[Canary42]

My feeder stations are still depleting at the usual rate.

[ladybirder]

I have a wood pigeon sitting in one of the large trees surrounding my garden who waits until I put some food out on the ground. It then immediately flies off and comes back with all its mates within a minute or two and they quickly devour everything. Nothing else can get a look in. Blackbird and Robin get attacked if they try to get a peck. They do get a bit at lunchtime when the WPs and having a rest.

fitdarren is this the feeding cage you have on the ground? I'm thinking of getting something like it.

https://shopping.rspb.org.uk/bird-feeders-boxes-tables/bird-feeders/ground-feeders/rspb-ground-feeding-sanctuary-narrow-mesh-2021.html

[Gill1941]

This feeding cage is very good, lb.
I have had one for years and nothing bigger than a blackbird can get in.
Wood pigeons do very well on spilt seed from the hanging feeders.

[fitdarren]

Sorry ladyb only just seen your post. Yes, that is exactly like the one I have. The birds, especially blackbirds, were unsure at first, but soon got used to it. I'm extremely pleased with it.

[ladybirder]

Thank you Jill and Darren. Pleased to know the blackbirds can get in. I want to get one but in my case it would have to sit on stone slabs so would not be secure. I can imagine the WP's pushing it around to get at the seed. I suppose I could put a rock on it to keep it in place. I'll give it a bit more thought. Thanks again.

[fitdarren]

Mine is on concrete and I have two half bricks holding it down on two corners. I have never had any problems at all.

[ladybirder]

Brilliant Darren, thank for your advice I shall order one now.

[fitdarren]

You won't be sorry x