I recently went out and bought some suet balls, or fatballs as I call them, because I remembered I used to have them up at my old house. So I hung up the feeder by jamming a large stick in the wall as I don't really have any trees or branches strong enough to hold the feeder in my garden. So far the only birds that have found it are birds that can't actually get them because they're too big and an inquisitive Robin (pics below). Is there any way that I can make it obvious that the fatballs are there? So that they aren't wasted on the Jackdaws who just gobble them down without taking time to enjoy their food.
First to notice were the Jackdaws but I didn't get any pictures of them. Second to see the fatballs was our resident Woodpigeon, who didn't quite have the same agility as the Jackdaws,
Target spotted...
Hmm... navigating a route...
Made it this far... don't mess up now...
After a lot of pretty amateur hovering next the feeder, the poor pigeon gave up.
I've been told the Robin has been on the feeder, but I only saw him picking up the pieces from the ground. This robin seems particulary happy to pose for me too.
Hope you enjoyed the pictures, and thanks for any suggestions!
Gus
Blog Flickr and I have a youtube channel but not updated much.
hi gus
nice to see you using net free fat balls
I would replace the twig with a hanging basket bracket screwed to the wall
Ray
a good laugh is better than a tonic
Hi Gus, I agree with Alan's suggestion of using a bracket of some kind, but I think the location is fine. If the Wood Pigeon has found them and also the Robin, then it's only a matter of time before your other birds spot the new food supply. Be patient.
Unicum arbustum haud alit duos erithacos
(One bush does not shelter two Robins)
Zenodotus (3rd Century B.C.)
Great photos Gus but there's not really anything I can add that the others haven't already mentioned. Have you tried making uncooked pastry? It's much cheaper than fatballs, the birds love it and it can be stuck almost anywhere. Alan has a great recipe for it HERE.
Paul
My bird photos HERE
Thanks guys,
I'll have a look at the recipe, Paul,
and try to get the bracket Ray.
The dish idea is definitely something I'll try as the robin was more attracted to the crumbs that had been dropped on the floor.
And I suppose you're right MC, I'll just have to wait!