bird feeders

Hi there. You don't say when you got your feeders, or if you have any other feeders? My experience of putting in a new feeder is that it took a few weeks for any birds to find and use it.

We have finches in our area; I don't use any special seed, (just a general type) but have seen finches on it. However, I don't see finches as much as some other species. I suspect this is simply because they don't always visit the feeder while I happen to be watching!

Don't know if this helps...

Hello.

I first put on feeders in the late winter/ early spring of 2008, and found that it took a few days for any birds to start visiting them.  Various species tend to be quicker at coming to the garden to feed.  I've found out subsequently that this has to do with the charactersitics of each particular species.  If you have starlings and or house sparrows, where you live, they tend to come first.  This also applies to crow species.  Other species tend to take a bit longer but are a great reward for patience.  Mind you any birds coming into the garden to feed brightens up the day.

Paul.

Hi Fulerton

I freely admit I am the first to mutter darkly about starlings (stay with me here!) because they arrive at the feeders in my yard in such numbers (upwards of 24) that it resembles a scene from Hitchcock's "The Birds"; they empty the feeders in rapid time leaving a feeder equivalent of a crop field decimated by locusts; they harrass all other birds out of the way; they are inherently messy eaters; and they make the most infernal racket squabbling and screeching amongst themselves.

However, the upside to all this is that the noise comes to the attention of other birds. These other birds drop by to find out what is going on and as a direct result two song thrushes now visit my feeders daily - something I never expected to see in such a confined area. So, if you can attract starlings, many other birds will follow - but I hope you have a deep pocket as those starlings can, and will, eat for England!

Squirrel, I hadn't commented on starlings before this, as I also have mixed feelings about starlings.  Here in Australia, they THRIVE to the point of being declared pests!  They drive out many less rambunctious native species, compete unfairly with native birds for food, and enter roof cavities through the tiniest gaps, where they breed about 4 times a year.  They really are regarded here as feathered rats.

Despite this, starlings are beautiful birds, with their irridescent feathers giving them the alternative name of 'sun bird'.  Watching eight or so of them share a communal bath is a wonderful sight, the bird bath resembling a fountain with their splashing.

I must confess to being a big fan of starlings.  In parts of Scotland we often call them "stuckies" (not sure why).  I know they can be a problem in some areas but I don't think anyone can fail to be impressed by seeing the spring plumage at close quarters and even the moult of the youngsters into first winter plumage is very interesting.  They do make a racket but they can also perfom some brilliant mimicry(spelling?), some personal highlights include a good imperssonation of a swallow in the middle of winter, a blackbird (outwith the blackbird singing season), and an almost perfect telephone ring.  They decline of the starling in many parts of Britain is very sad and was one of the major factors for joining the RSPB.  I found it frightening that such common birds as the starling and house sparrow where considered a serious conservation concern (red list)  We're lucky enough to have them very locally (I get a lot in my garden) but travel just a few short miles and the numbers have plumetted.  They do look hillarious with their antics in the bird bath, although have to admit they can be tough on the pocket.  They do encourage other birds though.

I do completely agree they have their endearing qualities and I certainly wouldn't wish to be without them. It is just that, simply because my feeders are in a confined space, if they would only arrive in smaller numbers perhaps the smaller birds might get more of a look in. I so agree also about the mimicking. A couple of summers ago, one had learnt a perfect mimic of next door's telephone and provided me with endless enjoyment as nearly every time my neighbour was pegging out her washing, said bird would perform its trick and neighbour could be seen haring off back indoors at a rate of knots.

What is interesting is that there seem to be pockets of them around the country. Where I have many, folk in other areas will comment on how they have none, then other folk will comment that they also have large numbers. The same seems to be occurring with house sparrows - of which I have none (although I do have regular dunnock families) where other areas have regular visitors which equal, in number, my starling visitors.

Talking of starling mimicry, I've has swifts, buzzard and even a quite convincing yellowhammer's 'little bit of bread no cheese' from my locals! I must say that I rather like them (even when they squabble in the early hours in the loft above my bedroom!!) and would miss them if they weren't about!!

Hi Fulerton,

I have had sucess with a Nyjer feeder and tray. but have also had goldfinches vist medium feeder with a feeder guardian attached. They  seem to like Sunflower Hearts as well as Nyjer seed. Hope this helps.

Sacha

Re starlings: excellent mimics indeed - I once heard one sounding like a car alarm! Must admit I hadn't thought of starlings as encouraging other birds, so that's useful to know.