The constant squabbling of the starlings and the sheer size of the pigeons could be the reason some of the smaller birds are reluctant to use my main pole feeding station, notably the tits, so I decided enough is enough and my starlings and pigeons must be moved. I have a large bird table with plenty of room for these larger birds, so I was determined they should be made to use it.
Last night, after dark, I removed the flat trays and all the goodies the starlings like from the feeding station, and put plenty of seed for the pigeons and goodies for the starlings on the bird table. I just left 3 hanging feeders for the time being - nyjer seed, sunflower hearts and my new safflower seed, plus a few nut granules, to see what would happen.
This morning, the starlings came to perch on the pinnacle and arms of the feeding station, as they always do, having a gossip, preening, and looking content. Then they looked down in total disgust at the disappearance of their trays, and I could also hear the pigeons stamping and clog dancing on the roof above me. One bright spark noticed the goodies on the table, told the others, and success!! They all went to have a good feed and were joined by the pigeons. That is all except one starling. He stayed put, looked around, then perched on the nyjer feeder and started to tuck in. He was there for ages!!!
I am determined to win this one. I will not allow the starlings to beat me!!
Cheers, Linda.
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Hi Chris,
What a lovely picture of your blackcap. I also like the fat feeder. What sort is it? Mine is useless as the suet keeps falling out and the dog gets it! I've had a look at the Prosecto "mould" at Haiths and it looks interesting. Do the birds like it?
I had to laugh at your empty coconuts!!! (sorry) I bought two of the half coconuts with peanuts but so far the birds aren't interested. They prefer my own suet mix.
I have exactly the same problem with mealworms and starlings. I find though that they prefer the bright pink berry suet pellets best, so I mix half a cup of mealworms, a cup of suet pellets, half a cup of nut granules, a cup of raisins and two cups of sunflower hearts and seed together. I put this mix on the bird table and in the flat trays I have fixed to fences. This is what the starlings are going mad for, and whilst they are busy tossing it all about the other birds find the mealworms I scatter in the flower tubs and beds and those the starlings drop. In between the bun fights, when the starlings are having a rest, the other birds use the trays and the pigeons clear up the seed from the table. However, I do have to replenish the trays at least 3 times a day, sometimes more.
I have removed the trays from the bottom of the hangers, and so far so good. The starlings and pigeons have abandoned them in favour of the easier option of the table and flat trays. I now just get nyjer and sunflower heart droppings everywhere!
Hi Sparrow,
I'm Interested Who's winning upto now!!!!
Not that I will swap sides of course!! LOL
Regards Buzzard
Nature Is Amazing - Let Us Keep It That Way
Hi Buzzard,
I'm pleased to say I'm one set up at the moment, but may have to retire injured in the arm and leg department as the new mixture I am using to persuade the starlings to use the table and flat trays I have provided is costing a small fortune, especially as I have to replenish it so frequently! (See above for the menu).
Lol Sparrow! Had to read your posting twice to get it!! Brilliant!
Sorry Woodpecker, but your coconut shell story made me laught too! ;-)
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
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Susan H said:I also like the fat feeder. What sort is it?
The substantial feeder contains an Insect Tubcake from Jacoby Jayne. The feeder comes free with any 2 tubcakes that fit into it (if you decide to go ahead make sure you ask them for a feeder as it isn't pictured in the latest catalogue). I got mine in December. You get 2 tubcakes plus a feeder for £9.70. They are a little more expensive than others but they are much bigger and are ideal if you have anything like a greedy blackcap who sits there nibbling at it for most of the day.
I managed to keep the container that the tubcake came in and when the block had been eaten down quite a bit I took it out of the feeder, put it back in the pot, melted down most of a square suet cake that had been largely ignored for a while and added it to the top of the tubcake. I pressed some Prosecto into it because I thought it might make it more appealing, and it worked. As I said before I found it a very fine mix, and a lot of it goes through the mesh tray feeders, but it will be good for mixing with suet.
Strangely, my birds seems to prefer the half coconuts that come ready made, if I put out one of those plus a hand made one.
I'm going to try your mix in my wooden feeder tray, but first I'm going to see if I can persuade OH to attach it to the fence so that I don't have to put it on the ground.
I try to only go out and refill when there are starlings or pigeons around. :-)
Just for completeness here's Mrs blackcap, (she often gets chased off by Mr blackcap):
Best wishes Chris
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Rockwolf said:Sorry Woodpecker, but your coconut shell story made me laught too! ;-)
Hi MarJus
I wasn't laughing when I unwrapped it, but I have to agree that it's quite funny now. OH won't be amused though.....
I was just looking at those 2 blackcap pics and it occurred to me that someone clever with photo manipulation techniques could probably have put both birds on one feeder...
Rockwolf said: Lol Sparrow! Had to read your posting twice to get it!! Brilliant!
I thought it was quite good for a cold Tuesday afternoon!!
Thanks Woodpecker,
I will have a look at the tub cakes, and will try the Prosecto. Mrs Blackcap is very cute. I did have a blackcap before the snow came - one visit, one minute, one bird. I may be able to persuade him to come back.
I can't put mesh tray feeders on the ground due to hound-dog, so I have them attached to the fences which seems to work, providing you can fix them so they are removable for cleaning. One of mine isn't, and I have to clean it in situ. All the birds use them except dunnocks - even my song thrush, and once a blackbird.
Susan H said: Hi Buzzard, I'm pleased to say I'm one set up at the moment, but may have to retire injured in the arm and leg department as the new mixture I am using to persuade the starlings to use the table and flat trays I have provided is costing a small fortune, especially as I have to replenish it so frequently! (See above for the menu).
Thanks for the update and well done for winning the first set.
I don't know if I can except any retirements though !!!! we may have to agree on one set all.
Buzzard