The population of fieldfares in my garden has increased to 7 or 8, they are eating the same food as my resident population of blackbirds and thrushes, I get anywhere between 7 to 12 blackbirds and 2 thrushes most days. The trouble is that, although I put out 6 halved apples and 3 halved pears this morning at 9 am before 12 it had all gone - the fieldfares are flying off with the halves but seem to promptly return empty handed (or should that be beaked)
I am concerned that my regulars are going hungry, they are out there now hunting round for any scraps that are left, I am feeding sultanas/mixed dried fruit and the apples etc on the ground plus all the normal bird feeder stuff in high feeders, is there anything I can do? It is lovely to see all the fieldfares and the 2 redwings but I can't put out ad lib food, especially as I am concerned that they are not eating what I do put out and may just be dropping it somewhere for rats or anything else.
Some guidance would be much appreciated
Ringwood, Hampshire
NO EXPERT AT ALL BUT WHAT ABOUT CUTTING FRUIT SMALLER MIGHT HELP THAT IF THEY DROP IT THEY ARE NOT WASTEING YOUR KIND HOSPTALTY AND THE REGULARS ARE GETTING A LOOK IN
BEV KINGFISHER
Why not try chopping apples and pears into small pieces. Gives them all a chance that way. Also try spreading it in different locations.
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Tony
My Flickr Photostream
Hello and welcome to the forums forestpony,
I can only surgest the same as other , that is to cut up smaller pieces and spead them around a bit more , my Feildfare stays and eats the small peices now but b4 was taking the whole half pieces i was puting down . Now smaller pieces encourage then to stay and eat ;) . Better for all as we can sit and watch them feed . Hope this helps.
Neil
If it aint broken, dont fix it !.... all good things come to those who wait !
Hi Forestpony,
The others are right. If you put any sort of food down in large pieces, whether it be apples, whole peanuts, even bread, most birds will take it away to a place of safety where they can eat it in peace. Some will hide it to eat later.
I watch my jackdaws. They will stay on the tables eating seed all day if necessary, but if they spy a piece of bread somewhere, they fly off with it, then eat it on the roof top. Your fieldfares are doing the same - and they are bullies with food to start with.
Cheers, Linda.
See my photos on Flickr
Thanks to all who replied
I will try cutting it up smaller - I never thought of that - I had thought havign bigger pices was the answer and from cutting the apples into quarters I left them in halves!
I will whizz out and give them some now - they all look so hungry pooor things
Thank you - cutting it smaller has worked a treat - I know my garden crew are very grateful!
I have Magpies who are taking a big beak fall and burying it for later thought I was imaging it at first.