Hi Graham, once you add a new area of feeding or feeders or even move them to a new position, it usually takes time for the birds to start using them as they tend to be very wary of new set ups or feeders, etc, so don't give up hope just yet. As long as it is far enough away from nearby shrubs, twigs, branches that a predator could use to pounce and not too far out in the open as to take away cover for the birds should they need to dash into for protection should a sparrowhawk or such pass by and try their luck, then all should be ok. Give it time and I'm sure you will see the birds enjoying the new feeders and treats. If you put whole nuts out at this time of year it is best to have them inside a dedicated peanut feeder (as you probably already have) as young chicks could possibly choke on whole nuts. Another way to feed birds is with raw pastry: plain or wholemeal flour, lard (half fat to flour ratio) add a handful of grated mild cheddar, a few sunflower hearts or suet pellets or mixed seed, bind with a little cold water enough to bring the pastry together without it being too sticky. You can put the pastry into a fat ball feeder or suet cage or stick bits on the twigs or shrubs and the birds will love it (except for Greenfinch, Goldies, Siskins which just like sunflower hearts or Nyger seed) Its a handy way to supplement expensive bird food and cheap supermarket branded flour, lard and cheese is plenty good enough. Good luck and hope your feeders bring the birds flocking to them in due course.
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Regards, Hazel
Hi Graham,
what I would also suggest is to look at the type of feeder you are using. 'Our' birds are very particular, they prefer some type feeders and not others. Only last year we splashed out to get rain protectors for our feeders (these see through plastic things you put on top of the feeders to protect the seed and birds from getting wet). I proudly put them up expecting the birds to be grateful and you know what? None of them came anywhere near the feeders! All the birds disappeared. Took the protectors off and they were back again. 'Our' birds don't like anything with a protector and some type of feeders at all. So try different designs to see if some get 'empty' before others do.
Best of luck!
My Gallery
"Any glimpse into the life of an animal quickens our own and makes it so much the larger and better in every way." John Muir
Thanks very much for your replies.
I think the local birds have got used to this new erection in my garden and have started to visit their new restaurant.
I have seen blue tits , long tailed tits .goldfinches , dunnucks. starlings, blackbirds,jackdaws .Rook,magpies and some unidentified varieties
No owls or ostriches yet !!
Before long this will be the most popular bar/ restaurant in the area,
Graham
Enjoy the view then! Glad it's working out.