All winter I've had to refill two birdfeeders at the bottom of my garden twice a week all winter. Then I noticed one bird feeder wasn't being touched, so I removed the empty one and left the full one. It's still hardly ever touched, so I'm guessing the birds are finding alternative (natural) food sources. However, I have a couple of greedy Wood Pigeons on another feeder. It's usually full of seeds that they love and they have somewhere to perch so they can access it easily. I could refill it (again!!) but I'm wondering whether I should until winter? They have now started on the fat balls up there too. Greedy things they are!! Would it be a problem if I stopped for the summer do you think, or should I continue?
Alison
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Hello Alison, as Alan (Doggie) says, at this time of year the birds can find more natural foods for themselves, however, if you still wish to feed the smaller birds then you could purchase a Guardian Cage and put a ground feeder dish inside it so the larger birds like Woopigeons cannot get inside but the smaller birds can. The pitched roof type cage is adjustable and therefore I would recommend that one ............... they can be purchased from the RSPB shop online click here. We use these cages primarily because of the squirrels however, Woodpigeons and birds blackbird size and over cannot gain access which allows the small birds to feed. The mesh can be adjusted to allow Blackbird size in but not Woodpigeons. Hope this information helps.
.
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Regards, Hazel
Hi Alison, wood pigeons make good hoovers lol... but if they're being greedy then hold the food back. They'll be fine.
Aw Hazy, poor Cyril in the photo lol....
Cheers, Jason
Jason d said:Aw Hazy, poor Cyril in the photo lol....
Haha I have seen one of them swinging on my feeders already! So, no thank you :)
Jason d said: Haha I have seen one of them swinging on my feeders already! So, no thank you :)
I move my cage and feeder around every time I feed. The wood pigeon comes in and tidies up any discarded seed and then sticks his head through the holes to get any within reach. He's not in my garden all the time and the smaller birds all come back when he's gone. The braver ones (sparrows and greenfinches) just move to the other side of the feeder but the chaffies, the siskins and the reed bunting wait till he's gone.
I will keep putting out food until the end of the month here in Scotland although I start to put out less every day. I have noticed more demand when it's raining or foggy and the insects aren't as active.