In reply to Michelle :

I read all of the replies with interest and everyone had great suggestions for you. You have found a way so well done you

Another little thing I could mention here ,- have you thought of window feeders so they are out of reach from your dog if you feel worried about him,,/her.

My partner and I have had a lot of success with them and they are too small for larger birds to land on. All members of the TIt family love them because their bodies are the prefect fit, Sparrows, even Blackbirds like them and they can get in a flap very easily

With window feeders the trick is to make sure they remain well stuck well onto the window away from opening windows for obvious reasons

A real close up of any Bird is better than watching TV anyday, but as what has been said it needs some patience for the birds to get used to the new setup - enticing them with mealworms in the window feeder is a must

Enjoy your new birdtable.

Regards

Kathy and Dave

Hi
Thank you for your post, it’s always helpful to hear other people’s suggestions and good advice, I will look online for the window feeders.

There is one blackbird (I think) which comes most mornings about 7.30am but it feeds on the floor, the nuts must blow off a little … and not on the table … this really worries me as there were 2 cats came right up to my door 30 mins earlier. A v v large (looked like) a dove also came today and sat in the plant pots eating the nuts that I’ve put around the bird table …for ages … the nuts had fallen in …. This also really worries me in case a cat came … I sat and watched until it went so I cud open the door if needed, if anyone has any tips on keeping cats out that would be much appreciated.

Thank you

In reply to Michelle :

One thing you could try is placing pieces of citrus fruit around the feeder and the areas where the Blackbirds congregate.

Cats hate the smell of citrus

You could spray pure citrus juice in the feeder areas squeezed by yourself or anything else you can think about that you could do.

Just be aware that any packed or packeted citrus juice may have extras in them and may not suit the situation.

Regards

Kathy and Dave

I wouldn't be overly concerned about cats. Even with the cars in the driveway, there isn't a huge amount of cover for cats. Put yourself at floor (bird) level and the only cover cats have is behind car wheels, which isn't much. Plus, I reckon most of the time the cars aren't in the driveway.

The blackbird and dove are a good start. The blackbird may eventually make its way into the feeder. Try some slightly crushed fat balls.

Other birds will spot them there, and will eventually deem it safe to visit the food. Probably the next constant visitor will be a robin. They are reasonably tolerant of people.

Birds may be driven to visit your feeder in the cold snap that is set to hit us, starting today.

Your feeder may face competition from other feeders in the area. It will take a little time for birds to get used to your feeder, but the blackbird and dove are a promising start.

90% luck, 5% field craft, 5% camera skills.

In reply to Peewit:

Hi
Thank you for your helpful comments, I will have a look online at the window boxes.

I’m really pleased as there are 2 birds frequently using the bird table now, they were in it before I cleared the snow off it this morning, I topped it up with nuts and sprinkled some on the snow on the flower pots and while I was clearing the snow down the drive they came eating the nuts, one bird seems to watch while the other feeds then they swap - it’s lovely to watch them

In reply to Michelle :

Hi Michelle,
The most recent setup you posted looks great! Usually when the feeder is pressed against a surface, the birds tend not to use it, so the bird table is much better. I agree that you should put up a bird bath. I'm getting a bird table next week, so is it ok if you can put a list of species that visit yours just so I know what birds might come?
Great progress and evaluation on your feeders!
Regards, Rishaan

Birds aren’t feeding from my feeders