Getting ready for the Big Garden Birdwatch

Blimey Chris,

How did you smuggle that lot in without OH seeing it?

I don't have any sheets. I use paper and pencil and a 5-bar gate system, then submit the results on line. Basic, but it works! I have registered on line and received my 10% discount code from the RSPB, and have enough food to see my crew through to February. I will be cleaning the feeders and water baths before the "big" day, and filling them up before I start. I will also have to clean my windows!

Cheers, Linda.

See my photos on Flickr

In reply to Sparrow:

I am very much looking forward to it!

I have my usual feeders (4 seeds/insects/nuts) and plenty of supply.  I have 2 dishes I will fill with mealworms and fruit.  I have several new suet refills and hangy coconuts. The bird bath will be clean as always.   Plenty fat balls....

This is the first time I have been able to do the gardenwatch as I am now self employed and have a busy garden! 

Like you Sparrow, I will have to clean my window! I also have to find a tall yet comfortable chair!

I am looking forward to it immensely.

In reply to Sparrow:

Susan H said:

Blimey Chris,

How did you smuggle that lot in without OH seeing it?

I don't have any sheets. I use paper and pencil and a 5-bar gate system, then submit the results on line. Basic, but it works! I have registered on line and received my 10% discount code from the RSPB, and have enough food to see my crew through to February. I will be cleaning the feeders and water baths before the "big" day, and filling them up before I start. I will also have to clean my windows!

 Hi Sparrow

He hasn't seen it yet as it has only just arrived, but it's my first order this year, and he will just moan a bit. When I say I saved £5 his eyes will roll and he will give up. Another £30 worth before the end of the month, might get a few more groans and eye rolls though. LOL

As soon as the birds go to bed on Friday, I will be out in the dark with the outside light on, bringing in and cleaning, then filling all of my feeders, and making sure that the suet balls, tub cakes and suet blocks are big enough to last through the weekend.

That reminds me, I must contact my window cleaner as he's late this month and he only comes once every 2 months as it is!

This is more like a military operation than a birdwatching hour :-))

Best wishes Chris

Click Here to see my photos

Good grief, Chris, you really are well prepared. Your birds will be better fed than I am.  I haven't made any special preparations. They will just have the usual mixture.

I see you've got sun drops. Do you recommend those?

Do you have to register for the Birdwatch each year? I've done it for several years so I assumed I was already registered.

TJ

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Regards,Tony

My Flickr Photostream 

In reply to TeeJay:

Hi TeeJay

I do recommend Sundrops. In my garden they are taken in preference to any variety of suet pellets, and high energy Sprinkles. I would really like to buy them in a larger quantity as I only put them in the Guardian, where the tits, robins and nuthatches feed, and 6 Kg doesn't seem to last very long.

In fact several starlings have worked out that if they hang around, a Sundrop might be dropped onto the Guardian tray where they can reach it, or the floor where they fight over it.

Once when I was refilling my feeders, I managed to drop one Sundrop on the lawn near the patio, and despite his shyness, the magpie came and grabbed it just after I went back inside.

I don't know about registering for the BGBW each year.

I registered for this year anyway, in case I need some food from the RSPB at 10% off. :-))

Best wishes Chris

Click Here to see my photos

In reply to Woodpecker:

Wow Chris - you have enough to feed an army of birds at the moment LOL  

Great tips of discounts as it does make a difference to our wallets - so every little helps (as Tesco explains to us)

Thank goodness Dave is happy to pay for bird food - though on the odd occasion he said that the birds get feeds better than he does LOL.

I must investigate A Sundrop - ask a silly question what does one look like and where do i buy them - is it JJ garden food people that provide them.

Regards

Kathy and Dave

In reply to Anonymous:

Another silly question - is it this weekend?

Been very busy recently so not kept up to date.

Cheers

Stoat

I'm not bald. I've just got ingrowing hair!

In reply to Anonymous:

Hi Stoat

The GBG is the weekend 29th-30th January - it is the 12th today

Just shows how keen everyone is for the big event

We are all so well organised as we are!

Regards

Kathy and Dave

Yeah I'm mostly ready. I've been experimenting with different feeders and feeds and have hopefully finally stopped the squirrels nicking all the sunflower seed hearts from a high tree feeder. I've also challenged a couple of friends to see who can see the most species on the day for some extra fun.

One thing I'm unsure about is whether you watch for only one hour or a minimum of one hour?

Brilliant Chris. Thank you for all the links. I am really looking forward to it. It is one hour when I can just sit and do nothing but watch the birds without feeling guilty.

I have just received a fill-up of 50 RSPB fat balls for my feeders and some new (to me) fruity nibbles. I also bought 3 x 12.75kg bags of sunflower hearts from my local supplier, so that should keep them going for a day or two LOL.

I love your box of goodies, could you tell me, what are the sundrops discussed in earlier posts? 

Kind regards Jane.