Hi everyone
Have decided to buy a bird table because the ducks keep eating the food I am putting out for the birds. I don't mind them having some but lately they are eating it all and keeping the birds from it.
Is it best to put the bird table in an open space or would it be better in the border by a fence. Also is it better to get one with a roof on it bearing in mind last week a sparrowhawk swooped into the garden, I did'nt see it get anything but it is probably about when I am not looking.
Also do pied wagtails go on bird tables, we have got one that visits every day.
Hope someone can help me .
What a wonderful world :))
OK so no one has got a bird table then ? ?
S B said: Hi everyone Have decided to buy a bird table because the ducks keep eating the food I am putting out for the birds. I don't mind them having some but lately they are eating it all and keeping the birds from it. Is it best to put the bird table in an open space or would it be better in the border by a fence. Also is it better to get one with a roof on it bearing in mind last week a sparrowhawk swooped into the garden, I did'nt see it get anything but it is probably about when I am not looking. Also do pied wagtails go on bird tables, we have got one that visits every day. Hope someone can help me .
Hi
I have a bird lamp post thingy and hang feeders from it ,It is placed close to a fence and birds just hop on and off as it suits. Mind you it would suit me if they hopped on to it more often... mmm wonder if I should move it.. as per other thread I dont get as many birds these days. I too have a pied wagtail but he seems quite happy feeding from ground. I have never seen them on my bird table but who can say if they do or not.
Hello ilovebirds,
As you say the bird table is to stop the ducks from eating all the food you put out, I assume you want it for the birds who normally feed on the ground rather than from hanging feeders? If that is the case, it needs to be a low one (no more than 4ft high) or the ground feeders won't use it, and even then it may take them a long time to get used to it.
A roof is a good idea if only to keep the food from getting too soggy when it rains, or it must have good drainage, such as a mesh base.
As for position, ideas vary on this and it very much depends on the sort of birds you hope will use it. Some birds find proximity to hedges preferable (such as sparrows), whilst others prefer all round visibility, and starlings just don't care as long as there is some suet!
Cheers, Linda.
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Thank you sooo much wagtail and Sparrow for your replies, I was starting to get a complex , ha ha
Think i will try a low one by the hedge then and see how that goes. Will still put food on the ground as well though for the time being . Hopefully the pied wagtail will use the bird table eventually, i have seen it on our patio table a few times, so obviously it does'nt mind the height.
So glad the snow has gone, hope we don't get anymore !