Have I missed the boat?

The feeder pole could put them off -yes.  A lot of birds coming and going near a potential nest site can and does reduce the chances of that nest site being used.  However, it still isn't too late for birds to start nesting yet there is still a long breeding season left and various factors can play a role in when birds start nesting. 

Phoenix said:

HI everyone,

I have 3 nest sites (blue tit, great tit type) in my garden but so far no nesting, Is it now to late? Last year they nested in the upturned flower pot but now I have a feeder pole close, would this put them off? Have to admit it's all quite disappointing:-(

Hi Phoenix

Yes the feeding station will probably put them off from nesting close by.

The RSPB have some great advice pages for nestboxes, Here is their information about siting them

I had tried three sites in the back garden, which faces northeast, for a new woodcrete birdhouse, since mid-February. Although some birds took a look at it, none moved in. There are multiple feeders in the garden.

So yesterday in desperation I tried the 30 year old silver birch in the front garden, which only had one feeder for suet/insect pellets. Having put the box about 18 feet from ground level, I returned to the garage about 10 yards away, to get a garden hoe to use to straighten the box and as I turned round to return, there was already a blue-tit on the entrance and her mate was sitting on my ladder, all this happened in a few seconds. So I just watched in amazement.

Later in the day there was no sign of any activity, so I put up a sunflower feeder, which is one of their favourites. But then I became a bit despondent, as there was little sign of the new lodgers. However I note that this morning, they are back and hopefully are in the process on moving in.

I plan to put some cat defences round the trunk at about six feet, as there are several cats in the area. It is a cul-de-sac and the tree is only about 10 feet from the heel of the kerb. I shall post the outcome in a few days.

EDIT: The tree is now fitted with a polystyrene disc about two feet in diameter, around the trunk to deter cats.

So it may very well be my feeder pole, I didn't think it was too close but I did think the amount of pigeons that hang around could well put of the small birds. I will have to investigate a new position which is a shame because it's in the perfect viewing position.

My birdhouse in the silver birch, remember? Well things have been pretty quiet this week. The bluetits were around yesterday, but seemed more interested in the ants crawling up the tree and possibly the ants' friends, the aphids, not seen the latter though, as they are very small  and high up. The tree now has catkins out, so maybe that is of interest as well, since a bluetit seemed to be stuck in the tree for about 5 minutes, this morning, on a tiny twig with a catkin on the end, flapping about it was. Just as I thought about a ladder rescue, it was gone.

Have they or will they move into the birdhouse? I do not know, their interest all seems to be a bit casual

Continued.......EDIT:

By 4pm, since the activity under the birdhouse, was still going on and the bluetit was getting ever more desperate, I had a look through binoculars and what was about, was that the bird was attacking it's own reflection in a small shiny catch on the base, which was only about one inch by half an inch in size. Presumably the bird thought it's reflection was an intruder and as such had to be evicted, hence the pecking, which was quite audible. Back out with the long ladder then and some black insulating tape, to conceal the image. This action attracted the attention of some neighbours, who are also 'bird' people.

All seems quiet now, so it will be interesting to see if the tape remains in place.

I've taken the huge gamble and moved my nest box. I figured the position was wrong and nothing was going to nest there so it is the same result if they don't nest in the new position!