I’ve been feeding birds in my garden for approx 2 years and have rather a lot of hungry mouths who seem dependant on the year-round seed and the fat balls put out during winter.
Before the food is put out in the morning there are always 6-10 Collared Doves waiting anxiously in the trees above the bird table and countless Sparrows and Dunnocks perched in the Honeysuckle bush a few feet away, ready to grab whatever is on the table or ground. Hardly the most exotic species, but they make the garden come to life.
The problem is I’ve been unexpectedly invited to go to Australia for a couple of months and it could be as soon as 2 weeks before I go. It seriously pains me to think what could happen to all these birds who undoubtedly rely on this food put out for them (particularly at this time of year!). There’s absolutely no chance of the neighbours being willing to help out - and it’s a similar situation my remaining family.
Do you think it’s best to keep feeding the birds as normal until I go, or gradually reduce the quantity put out over the next couple of weeks to give them time to start looking further afield?
It seems strange but I honestly feel accountable for their wellbeing as they appear to rely on a food source that could suddenly disappear, with potentially fatal consequences. Seriosuly it is enough to give 2nd thoughts about taking this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Do you have recommendations that could help reduce the problem i.e.only need taking care of maybe once a week, such as huge or timed bird feeders?
I too share similar concerns since I like to go travelling in my summer holidays and worry about suddenly disappearing and feeling responsible for the birds' welfare etc. I'm new to this so whatever advice people offer you I'll be interested to hear. Just a suggestion but are there any wildlife welfare centres around where you live or other local bird watchers etc? I'm just thinking maybe if you could find someone who cares, as much as you do about the birds, they might be willing to stock up feeders if they had access to your garden or something. You never know, there may be someone who lives close by on this very forum. It's a pity your neighbours, like mine I think at this point, aren't the sort who could help out for the sake of wildlife. I hope someone can offer some useful advice. Good luck and enjoy your travels. We can't help all the wildlife all the time. So long as we do our bit.
You obviously have to go away and I am sure the birds will find another source. We have always been lucky and our neighours always fill our feeders etc. whenever we are away. There must be someone near you who feed the birds but the forecasters are saying that thie extreme weather should move on in about another week. I wouldn't stop feeding and would leave plenty of food when you leave.
I would gradually reduce the food over the next couple of weeks to ensure the birds are going out to find alternative food sources nearby so they have somewhere else to go. There is probably someone somewhere feeding the birds but it gives them time to discover new sources, especially as they may have come to rely on your feeders for there to suddenly be no food could make life difficult for them.
Millie & Fly the Border Collies
Hi Mr. Birdy and welcome to the forum, if only for another couple of weeks!
I do applaud your attitude towards your birds, and completely understand how you feel. We go away 5 or 6 times a year, albeit only for a week at a time, but I always feel guilty and am always delighted when I get home to find my birds still there! They have become like pets to me, so much so that my daughter comes to feed them for me, and this entails a car journey across town!
I agree that your best bet is to try and find another local bird lover who will come to help. Failing that, I have no other suggestions to add to what the previous people have said.
Enjoy your holiday
Cheers, Linda.
See my photos on Flickr
Hi Mr Birdy, As sparrow said It is very nice that you should think of the birds like this and as for your problem:... I would suggest feeding the birds slightly less everyday and when you get back put the food out again. NOTE: When you put the food back out the birds may have moved away and you will have to gradually build there confidence just like when you first started feeding the birds! best, Coal ;D
Birding , Birding, Birding !
Thank you very much for your answers everybody, they are much appreciated. The suggestions of slowly reducing the food put out seem a very wise option to give the birds chance to look elsewhere. But....there is hope it won't need to come to that.
I've managed to rope a relative into coming around on every 2-3 days days after the first 2 weeks away (as she will be with me in Oz for a while). I'm going to buy 4 large hanging feeders (and thankfully) another relative has heared the concerns and agreed to nip round to top them up for the first couple of weeks.
It may not be what the birds are used to, especially the doves, but if the usual feeding commotion is anything to go by there will be plenty of seed on the ground for them.
I felt crazy expecting anybody to drive across town to fill up bird feeders but you guys gave the inspiration to ask. The birds and my peace of mind owe you tremendously. Thank you!!!
So glad you have have been able to solve your problem, and hopefully this extreme weather will have passed before you leave.
Glad you have sorted something out, and I hope you have a wonderful holiday. I'm sure the birds will be fine.