Since the cold weather started in December, I've noticed a dramatic reduction in the number of birds visiting this suburban Cheshire garden.
In fact, in spite of seeds, nuts, home made fat-blocks, commercial fat balls, bacon rind, ham fat and granary bread being available there's scarce been an open beak to be seen.
The wild bird seed holder content has dropped an inch, out of it's 18 or so length, and yet at other times of the year it can be emptied in a day.
i'd have thought, with the snow and ice, that they'd be forming an orderly queue and booking time at the feeders - so where have they all gone?
Which part of Cheshire are you in? We're in Winsford and haven't noticed much drop-off in numbers.
A closed mouth gathers no foot.
Karen F said: Which part of Cheshire are you in? We're in Winsford and haven't noticed much drop-off in numbers.
There's the answer, they've all gone to Maisie's garden lol
Millie & Fly the Border Collies
Many of us have noticed during this cold spell that birds are going for the easy option, and if there is a garden near you offering the easier pickings, that is where your birds will be. We are all reporting our fat balls and home made suet things are being ignored in favour of flavoured suet pellets, my sparrows have abandoned their feeders and are feeding off the ground where sunflower seed has been scattered, mixed seed is being left if sunflower hearts are readily available either on the ground or on flat trays, peanut hangers are untouched because they are hard work, but peanut granules are being eaten from flat feeders. I don't think any of my birds have been eating the normal mixed seed, even my pigeons and collared doves, who are eating up the sunflower hearts instead.
I notice you haven't mentioned fruit as part of your menu. Sultanas, raisins, grapes and chopped up apples will attract the thrush family including blackbirds.
Cheers, Linda.
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I echo Sparrow's advice and would just add that the starlings love raisins - hugely. And if you can get the starlings they will make such a racket the rest will surely follow.
The necessity of bird-watching is a really good reason for avoiding all forms of housework.
The dust will still be there tomorrow - the birds may not be!
Hello iBozz,
Changes in winter weather often cause a disappearance or appearance of birds on feeders, which does not necessarily follow a pattern that to us humans would seem logical. Many birds that come to bird tables spend the autumn and winter months travelling around in flocks. Birds are creatures of habit, and each flock will regularly visit the same feeding stations. Because of this, you will either have plenty of birds visiting your garden, or very few, all depending on whether your garden is on a flock’s route or not.
Cheadle Hulme/Bramhall.
So, it's all Maisie's fault then? I shall consult my solicitor forthwith!
Squirrel B said: I echo Sparrow's advice and would just add that the starlings love raisins - hugely. And if you can get the starlings they will make such a racket the rest will surely follow.
Thanks to all, I've only got mixed fruit, so I'll try some of that.
Hi.The funny thing about this recent cold snap, is that I haven't noticed any increase in birds. The starlings and house sparrows still come in good numbers and are very quick to remove raisin and sultanas but if anything there's been a drop in blue and coal tit numbers. I've also not been visited by and winter species such as fieldfares or red wings. So if anybody could send some my way, it'd be much appreciated. ;-)Paul.
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And I echo Squirrel's comments about starlings being the big draw for other birds. This is very noticeable in my garden. It's like follow-me-leader when they arrive.
Heron77 said:if anything there's been a drop in blue and coal tit numbers. I've also not been visited by and winter species such as fieldfares or red wings. So if anybody could send some my way, it'd be much appreciated. ;-)
Hi Paul,
Snap as far as the fieldfares and redwings are concerned - absolutely none here. I have noticed an apparent drop in the tits, but if you have time to spend watching quietly, you may see them. They have turned into smash and grab merchants - quick swoop, one seed, off again, back for another. Blink and you miss them. There is no clinging to feeders at the moment.