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LARGE BIRDS AND BIRDTABLES – HELP NEEDED

Posted on June 15th, 2010 in Bird Feeding Problems by Trish

I have been asked this question by Toni -

I have recently bought an RSPB Classic birdtable which has very wide open sides. 

My previous one which rotted had 4 arched openings.  I have a beech hedge adjacent to the table which is home to dozens of sparrows and dunnocks which used to frequent my table.  Sometimes there would be dozens of them along the edges and on the table. 

I got doves feeding on the ground and one dove could fit uncomfortably on the table but didn’t deter the smaller birds.  I also got robins & chaffinches. 

The new table had a black plastic removable tray and I knew it would be a while before the sparrows would be brave enough to use it.  I had to have a new feeding tray put on my old feeder some years ago and it had been varnished and I think the smell put them off and I know they are very cautious and suspicious and it was about five days before the sparrows would use it.

However, what happened with the new table was that the doves found a way to drop down from the ridged roof which they could sit on and turn around in the air and get on the table and eventually the table would have a half dozen doves and sometimes a pigeon on it.  So the sparrows didn’t even try to use it. 

In about 5 weeks I saw a sparrow about three times on the table and almost instantly doves would come and it would disappear.  The doves would be waiting on the roofs of adjacent houses in the morning and as soon as they saw me put on the food they would descend.  

I discussed the problem with the RSPB and have stopped feeding the birds altogether for the time being to get rid of the doves but I know they are out there and the pigeons.  I see them on my neighbours’ bird table.  I thought I would try to guard the table on some way with either wooden trellis cut to size (like a curtain) hanging on hooks from the roof which I could lift up like on a hinge and put seed on the table and remove the tray for cleaning;  or perhaps make panels or a cage with square  plastic covered fencing. 

I am really sad as I have been feeding this sparrow population for very many years and used to get such a lot of joy from them.  I’ve read the various comments on pigeon proofing my table like the canes but I’m not convinced that would keep the doves out.  I did try bracing some short canes from the inside of the roof to the opposite side of the bottom of the table.  I put four crossing one another but the doves still got on the table and either knocked the canes off or just managed to squeeze in and eat. 

I’m desperate for a solution.  Does anyone have any really practical and tested ideas.  I did write the RSPB but didn’t get any very helpful feedback.  Help.

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This is my reply, but advice and ideas always welcome -

Thanks for getting in touch.  I have had a struggle with large birds pinching the food for years now. 
One way I have found is to put garden canes around the birdtable.  Your problem is that the birds come down from the roof, but if they cannot balance because canes are there it may work.  The smaller birds can get through the canes, but the larges ones cannot.  Here is a link  to an article.  http://birdtablenews.com/2009/02/how-to-keep-pigeons-off-a-bird-table/
At the bottom of the article is a photo of the canes round my birdtable.  They do get blown about a bit, but I’ve found this is the best way.  It allows blackbirds and thrushes to get in.  One other way is to just use caged bird feeders
For years I’ve had pigeons, rooks and crows descend when I put bird food out.  We just can’t afford it can we?
Making a cage  with square  plastic covered fencing is a good idea. 
I can imagine that you feel really sad, especially as you have been  feeding this sparrow population for very many years

I don’t think it’s any good you waiting until the doves go away.  A practical solution is needed. 
Could you buy a hanging feeder and put it in the hedge.  I have hanging feeders and birds soon get the hang of them.
Here is another link showing a ground feeder that has a cage round it. It also shows my canes round the bird table

http://birdtablenews.com/2009/07/keeping-pigeons-away-from-bird-tables/

Here are some more ideas from readers  - 
I would first of all like to thank Trish for her inspiration.

I cannot stand grey pigeons, as they finish enough food to feed 4 or 5 of the smaller birds in my garden. So through searching for advice on how to keep pigeons away from the bird table I stumbled upon Trish’s idea of placing canes around the table.

I thought I might take this a step further and incorporate the canes into the table itself creating a more aesthetically pleasing table. I ended up purchasing a table  along with a strip of floor edging to act as my canes.
Instead of boring you with the details of how I made the table pigeon proof, I thought I might post pictures up instead (as soon as I know how) which are self-explanatory.

The pigeons have tried to enter the ‘house’ but being too big they couldn’t balance on any part of the table apart from the roof.

All other birds however have been enjoying the treats I have put out for them which in previous days would have been finished by the pigeons before the smaller birds even got a taste. This has all been happening while the pigeons sit on the fence and wonder how they are going to enter, but all their attempts have failed!
Thanks Trish!
(Pics up soon!)

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What a lovely comment.   It’s wonderful how practical ideas can be spread by the Internet.

Toni here is another idea

April 2010  – Another way to help small birds from Arlene

My bird table has a roof and has been enclosed by my husband on three sides by the largest plastic mesh I  could find~ the open side nearest the lounge window.

It took  awhile for them to get used to it but they hop through as though it wasn’t there now.
All the little birds hop through the mesh or through the side bits under the roof and the bigger birds such as Blackbirds come round the back.

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Let me know what you think

Trisha

A SAFE FEEDING AREA FOR BLACKBIRDS AND THRUSHES (1)

Posted on April 10th, 2010 in Bird Feeding Problems by Trish

Trying to make a safe feeding area for blackbirds, thrushes and smaller garden birds

There are many enclosed feeders that keep squirrels, pigeons and larger birds away from bird food

What I have found is that a lot of these feeders keep blackbirds and thrushes away from the food as well, which is a pity.

Last year I put some canes round a birdtable and that let blackbirds and thrushes inside as well as the smaller garden birds. 

Am trying different ways.  Haven’t got it right yet, but am working on it this weekend.  The circle needs to be bigger, but the canes still as close together.

Have already had loads of sparrows squashed inside feeding,plus one or two blackbirds putting their beaks in.  This is too small for blackbirds and thrushes, so will work on it.

Trying to make a garden bird sanctuary

Trying to make a garden bird sanctuary

Any tips welcome

SPARROWHAWKS

Posted on April 5th, 2010 in Bird Feeding Problems by Trish

In early March I wrote about Sparrowhawks and their prey.  I’ve had some interesting  ideas, discussions  from readers and have put all their comments below

Where there is a practical idea and problem solving note I’ve marked it with a tab.

Here they are.  Hope you enjoy reading.  I find it interesting and helpful to learn about other peoples problems and ideas.  It’s also great to know other people are interested and together we are helping (I hope!)  garden birds. 

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TopVeg said, on March 10th 2010

I suppose Mehr has a point – but we so enjoy watching the small birds on the birdtable & miss them terribly when the sparrowhawk has visited & cleared them all up.

Perhaps we should do more to help protect the small birds – so that they have more of a chance to escape the hawk. They are just a sitting target when the bird table is in open ground.

  • We planted a willow next to the bird table & it has grown so that it covers one side of the table. So the hawk cannot just swoop down to get them. That has made a big difference. I wonder what else we can do.

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Garth said on March 15th, 2010
Feeding garden birds definitely gives these birds an advantage so I feel we should shorten the odds.
If there are too many attacks try moving the feeders around, regularly if possible, don’t concentrate the feeders, note the general line of attack and break up the line of flight.  

  • I have put in vertical bamboo canes a few inches apart and also have individual feeding spots so that an early warning can be given by a solitary feeding bird.

The worst time of the year is when all the young tits are feeding and the hawks have young too, so this is when tactics are important to reduce carnage before your eyes. I love to see a hawk and it is also a good sign things are right in the bird world as a lack of them means there are problems.

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Trish said. on March 17th, 2010

Hi Garth, Thanks for joining in. Trying to shorten the odds is a good idea. In some ways I suppose seeing hawks may mean that all is well in nature – but if sparrowhawk numbers keep increasing maybe it could be likened to putting a shark in a garden pond. Or am I exagerrating?

Yes, lets shorten the odds.
Moving feeders around regularly
Dont concentrate the feeders,
note the general line of attack and break up the line of flight.

what a good idea to put vertical bamboo canes a few inches apart

But how do you have individual feeding spots so that an early warning can be given by a solitary feeding bird.

These ideas and conversations are too interesting to be hidden away in a comments area. I will change them into an article and use it a a post

Thank you. Trisha

If anyone would like to write a guest post then be my guest! I will help in any way I can

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Shell said,  on March 18th, 2010

We stopped using our bird table because of this. We placed some feeders in thick bushes but the birds prefer to eat from the ground now.

  • There are no cats around so we place the food on ground feeders surrounded by large plants. This has helped a lot.

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Trish said, on March 19th, 2010

You’ve stopped using your bird table! I knew two people who were so fed up of blood on their birdtables from sparrowhawks swooping down that they stopped feeding birds. One said itwas horrible trying to scrub off a bird table.

I never thought of the fact that sparrowhawks catch birds in flight. I wonder if they catch any on the ground.

Maybe that is why my garden bush that I put food near is so popular. I get a lot of birds hopping about in and out of this bush and getting the food I put near it. There is a lot of good information here. Trisha

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Shell said, on March 19th, 2010

I had not option because the hawk kept lingering around ready to swoop. I was going to use it again but I thought it may attract the hawk again.

I think they can snatch birds off the ground and that’s why

  • I’ve camouflaged the area with various plants and shrubbery so that it would have a hard job getting to the birds. The hawk seems to have gone now that I have done that, I am still wary though.
  • I’ve fed birds under the bushes too, especially when it’s really windy which they seem to appreciate.

I would love to put the table back up but the hawk used to wait in the trees and if it happens to fly over it will see them hanging around the table.

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Arlene said  on April 1st, 2010

I have large bird table and lots of feeders and have a large number of Goldfinches,Siskins,Bullfinches,Robins Bluetits CoalTits Blackbirds Nuthatch etc that have been feeding in my garden as safely as I can make it given the prevalance of killer cats in the neighbourhood and a sparrowhawk is definitely an unwanted guest in my garden and I chase it when I see it.It only turned up recently and I am hoping it will move on.

  • My bird table has a roof and has been enclosed by my husband on three sides by the largest plastic mesh I could find~ the open side nearest the lounge window. It took awhile for them to get used to it but they hop through as though it wasn’t there now.
  • All the little birds hop through the mesh or through the side bits under the roof and the bigger birds such as Blackbirds come round the back.
    I would buy and put food out for the hawk.mice chicks etc but I think that would not be useful as we started with one squirrel and now I have two of those!

I was torn when it first turned up but I have given it a lot of thought and there is no way I am providing a larder for a predator~ my visitors give myself and husband a lot of pleasure and we go to a lot of trouble and expense to get them through the winter.
This is my decision and I am sticking to it!

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Shell said, on April 2nd, 2010,    Hi Arlene,

I understand. If you started feeding the Hawk it would very likely partner with another one and then nest close by and then the family will grow and your garden birds would gradually disappear. Even if they weren’t all caught I expect many would fly knowing there were predators in the area.

I watched on TV about a person who fed bird of preys and would go out on his tractor with a load of raw meat. It attracted many birds, could’ve been around 50 or something like that. One got to know about it, then another and before he knew it there was a large group of them there.

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Arlene on April 3rd, 2010

Hi Shell ~
you have hit the nail on the head~ the guy in question feeds Red Kites baby chicks I think?and has been doing so for years~ whilst I applaud his dedication it has obviously skewed the local bird population as perhaps I am doing.

  • I have had to make a decision to try to keep a whole raft of small birds going in my small garden who are having a hard time because of the loss of habitat,food sources and an explosion in the feline population. 
  • The enclosing of the bird table works quitewell as it also limits the number of rooks who visit as there is an extremely large population on the fringe of the wood about 100 yards away, and is worth trying if your bird table is suitable.

I do belong to the RSPB~ Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust etc and hope that thay can promote the welfare of birds of prey in more suitable surroundings!

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Trish said,on April 4th, 2010

Thanks for getting in touch. Goldfinches,Siskins,Bullfinches,Robins Bluetits CoalTits Blackbirds Nuthatch – you do get a lot of birds. And the money we spend feeding them is well spent I think.

I think you hit the nail on the head when you say you made the garden as safe as you can can make it given the prevalance of killer cats in the neighbourhood and a sparrowhawk

What another brilliant idea about keeping large birds off bird table – mesh on 3 sides and an open side near a window.

When I talk of large birds as well as sparrowhawks I suppose we could include rooks, crows and pigeons, but definitely sparrowhawks. 

  • I have put canes round my bird table – they are stuck in the ground and are higher than the bird table so they make a ‘prison’ of the bird table. Only small birds and blackbirds and thrushes can get through.

If you click on the link below and scroll halfway down the writing you will see a photo of my birdtable. At the moment the canes have blown down – that is a job we have to do today – put them back up again.

http://birdtablenews.com/2009/02/how-to-keep-pigeons-off-a-bird-table/

I agree with you as well . I have also gone to a lot of trouble and expense to feed garden birds this frozen, cold winter. They were frantic at the feeders sometimes. Heaven knows how much I have spent on bird food. I’d like to buy a camera nest box but always spend any money I have saved on bird food!

Apologies for not replying sooner, but I’ve had a bit of internet connection trouble.

I started a forum but had to stop for a while because of unexpected problems. If anyone  would like to go  my birtablenews forum and then to the link WAYS TO STOP LARGE BIRDS EATING ALL THE BIRD FOOD’ you are welcome – as is anyone to add your point of view. Or start a new topic

Trisha

PS – Your bird table idea to keep large birds off – I have added it to this article. Hopefully it may help someone in the future

http://birdtablenews.com/2010/03/ways-to-stop-sparrowhawk-attacks-in-gardens/

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Trish said, on April 4th, 2010

Hi Shell, I do agree. I’m pleased there are other people who agree with me.

Your understanding of the garden /wildlife situation is brill. Of course if a sparrowhawk saw a lot of birds about it would stay and build a nest and breed – and feed on the birds. I had never thought of how a sparrowhawk decides to nest – but of course food will be important.

It is interesting how birds get to know food is about.

Trisha.

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Hope you’ve found this interesting and maybe some of the problem solving ideas have helped you.

WAYS TO STOP SPARROWHAWK ATTACKS IN GARDENS

Posted on March 21st, 2010 in Bird Feeding Problems by Trish

I’ve received such good ideas from two readers  – and here they are

From Garth –  

If there are too many attacks try -

  • moving the feeders around, regularly
  • if possible, don’t concentrate the feeders,
  • note the general line of attack and break up the line of flight. I have put in vertical bamboo canes a few inches apart and
  • also have individual feeding spots so that an early warning can be given by a solitary feeding bird.

The worst time of the year is when all the young tits are feeding and the hawks have young too, so this is when tactics are important to reduce carnage before your eyes.

I love to see a hawk and it is also a good sign things are right in the bird world as a lack of them means there are problems.

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From Shell -

We stopped using our bird table because of sparrowhawks. We placed some feeders in thick bushes but the birds prefer to eat from the ground now. I had not option because the hawk kept lingering around ready to swoop. I was going to use the birdtable  again but I thought it may attract the hawk again.

I think they can snatch birds off the ground and that’s why I’ve

  • camouflaged the area with various plants and shrubbery so that it would have a hard job getting to the birds. The hawk seems to have gone now that I have done that, I am still wary though.
  • I’ve fed birds under the bushes too, especially when it’s really windy which they seem to appreciate.
  • There are no cats around so we place the food on ground feeders surrounded by large plants. This has helped a lot.

I would love to put the table back up but the hawk used to wait in the trees and if it happens to fly over it will see them hanging around the table.

From  Arlene -  April 2010

My bird table has a roof and has been enclosed by my husband on three sides by the largest plastic mesh I  could find~ the open side nearest the lounge window.

It took  awhile for them to get used to it but they hop through as though it wasn’t there now.
All the little birds hop through the mesh or through the side bits under the roof and the bigger birds such as Blackbirds come round the back.

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This is from Mehr in Sweden and her views are the exact opposite – but things must be different in different countries.  In some ways what she says is true – but I think sparrowhawks do get an unfair advantage when they visit bird tables and gardens.  They can cause so much carnage and a lot of our bird numbers are declining.  You just have to visit the RSPB site to see that. 
From Mehr
  • if you want to worry about something, dont worry about how life and nature does, it has always done it long before we were here, worry about what your living is doing to the environment and extinction of species allover the planet, SH for exemple 30 years ago……….in nature animals only kill for living, we are killing, to extinction, just for lyxius living. let natur be alone if you can not love all of it….
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Please let me know if you try any of these ideas, if you have problems with birds of prey in your garden or if you have any advice, thoughts or opinions.  Thanks.

FEEDING FAT TO BIRDS – CONFUSION CAUSED BY BBC INFORMATION?

Posted on February 6th, 2010 in Bird Feeding Problems by Trish

.Liz said, on February 3rd, 2010

During the snowy/cold time we had recently BBC breakfast encouraged people to feed the birds in you garden (good for them).
I e mailed to suggest that people put out fat mixed with seeds and other suitable bits. Within half an hour they announced that you should not give birds meat fat as it might give them salmonella which would kill them. Is this correct?
If not please ask them to make an announcement to clarify as many people may have taken this as correct and are not giving fat to birds in the garden.

 Trish said, on February 4th, 2010
The world is turning upside down. 

It was a good idea of yours to suggest people put out fat mixed with seed.

I have always put out seed mixed with fat in winter. I think people have been doing it for years.

I have looked on the RSPB website to see what they say. They now seem to differentiate between lard and meat fat !

I wonder if the BBC have read this and misunderstood because they do not understand bird feeding.

I’m not sure how to get in touch with BBC breakfast but will take a look.

The RSPB site says
‘Lard and beef suet on their own are fine as they re-solidify after warming and, as they are pure fat, it is not as suitable for bacteria to breed on. ‘

It goes on to say ‘Fat from cooking is bad for birds.’ Then it goes on to explain why.

The RSPB site also says ‘Unlike humans, birds need high levels of saturated fat, such as raw suet and lard. They need the high energy content to keep warm in the worst of the winter weather, since their body reserves are quickly used up, particularly on cold winter nights. ‘

So feeding fat to birds is helping them survive the winter.

thanks for telling me about this. What was the email address you used to contact them?  Trisha at Bird Table News

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I hope we don’t confuse people too much and make bird feeding too complicated for people to do.

Does anyone have any ideas and opinions on the type of fat to feed birds.

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A YOUNG BOY FEEDING BIRDS

Posted on February 2nd, 2010 in Bird Feeding Problems by Trish

Marjorie asked

I have bought my 10 year old grandson a bird table for Christmas.  He is home educated and is fascinated with the birds who have now started coming into our garden to the bird table.
We have put out grated cheese, a coconut fat thingy, a fat ball and some bird nuts.
Yesterday he read in his book that sunflower hearts are popular.
The birds don’t seem to want the bird nuts and they have been left untouched.
Can someone tell us why that is?  Is it because the nuts are too large?

I replied

Thanks for getting in touch. It’s great that your grandson likes feeding birds and is fascinated with them.  There are so many sizes and colours aren’t there?  Only certain birds like peanuts and if you aren’t getting that type of bird at your feeder then they won’t be eaten.

Is the cheese being eaten?  I bet it is.
Sunflower hearts are really good enery food for birds.
If you click on this link you will see a list of some birds that do like sunflower hearts
http://birdtablenews.com/2009/04/some-birds-that-eat-sunflower-hearts/

If you click on thE  link below it gives a list of the favourite bird food of some garden birds
http://birdtablenews.com/2009/02/favourite-bird-food-of-some-garden-birds/

Below is a link to soft bill bird food.  Some birds have beaks that can only eat certain food.  Soft bill food helps these birds

http://birdtablenews.com/2009/07/softbill-bird-food/

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Hope that info helps you.  I’m really pleased your grandson is enjoying watching birds

If you click on the link below you will be able to hear some birdsong.  At the end of the article there is a DVD of birdsong for sale, in case your grandson would like to listen to some birdsong

http://birdtablenews.com/2010/01/birdsong-from-my-east-yorkshire-garden/

It’s really great that your grandson is fascinated by birds.  It is a link to nature which must be good.

Trisha

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I had another question that asked about GM bird food.  What is your opinion

I am having the same problem. The birds aren’t eating the bird seed. Do you think that the seed is genetically modified? I read somewhere that chickens won’t eat GM chicken feed. The animals must know that GM foods are not safe.

PUT CHILLI POWDER ON BIRDFOOD TO KEEP SQUIRRLES AWAY?

Posted on February 1st, 2010 in Bird Feeding Problems by Trish

I have had lots of problems with squirrels eating bird fat cakes that I put out.  I remember reading somewhere about adding a large spoonful of chilli powder to stop this, as birds are not affected by chilli.  But I don’t want to do this if the birds will be injured in some way.

The above is a question I’ve received from Mike

Ages ago I myself had trouble with squirrels and tried chilli pepper.  I had read that the RSPB said it was a way to keep squirrels away.   So I tried it.  It did not work.  I know coating birdfood with chilli pepper  did not work, but I could not remember the reason why.  I looked up some notes and saw that I had written this on 17 November 2008

Notes below have been taken from 17 November 2008  Chilli pepper and keeping squirrels away 

I have taken the RSPB’s advice about how to keep squirrels away from bird food.  It hasn’t worked.
The RSPB report that chilli pepper powder on bird food keeps squirrels away but does not bother birds.  

RSPB advise that the bird food is put in a bag with the pepper powder and shaken together.

Tell that to the birds.
None of the bird food that I covered with the pepper powder has been touched by birds.
The bird food was on the ground feeder and bird table.  I even took the meshed cover off the ground feeder and still the bird food was not eaten.  Not one seed was touched
On the other hand I haven’t seen a squirrel today.
Have brought the bird food inside and will put it outside again tomorrow.
Has anyone ever used this method to keep squirrels away?

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Has anyone else used chilli powder to keep squirrels away?

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I do have some squirrel proof bird feeders and a meshed garden feeder.  They are brilliant, but, of course,  blackbirds and thrushes can’t get to the food and I wanted to keep some open bird feeders for the blackbirds and thrushes. 

It does seem though that squirrel proof caged feeders are a good way to keep squirrels off any type of bird food.

What do you think?

Are some birds are not eating RSPB Bird Food?

Posted on January 15th, 2010 in Bird Feeding Problems by Trish

By coincidence I have been talking to two people over a period of 3 days. 

Both  asked me why birds have suddenly stopped coming to their feeders when it is the coldest winter for years and there has been snow, frost and blizzards.   They both live on the Yorkshire Wolds

It transpired both families had bought RSPB bird food for the first time – they both said they bought the expensive  RSPB bird food.  It was at this time that birds stopped visiting the feeders.

Is this coincidence?  What would suddenly stop birds coming to bird feeders that they have been coming to for ages. 

Should they  ask the advice of the  RSPB  advice?

WHY AREN’T THE CITY BIRDS EATING THE BIRD FOOD?

Posted on January 9th, 2010 in Bird Feeding Problems by Trish

I’ve received this question from Liz.  I don’t know the answer for certain. Can anyone help?

I put out loads of food for birds but it goes mouldy in the containers.  Although I live in the city and have a small garden, i have hedges and shrubs to provide cover but simply cannot attract birds.  Have you any idea why?

 I  replied -

First – He glad you got in touch. 

You have a garden with  hedges and shrubs but cannot attract birds.  Strange.

Could you let me know what food do you put out and if you see birds around your area.  Are they in the next garden?

It could be that there is a predator about, say a cat or a sparrowhawk and the birds know this. 

Different birds eat different food. Maybe there aren’t the type of bird about that would eat the food you put out (but this isn’t likely)

I would take the feeders in and  take all the mouldy food out.  then soak the feeders in water, say in an old bucket, to get rid of any bits of  mouldy food.  Dry the feeders out .  Let me know what type of bird food you use. 

I will see if I can think of any other reason. Look forward to hearing from you. Trisha at Bird Table News

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I need help here.  The weather is freezing, there is bird food about but the birds aren’t coming for it.  I have just been writing how important it is to put bird food out for birds – life is strange sometimes.

Two more ways to stop large birds eating all the bird food

Posted on January 8th, 2010 in Bird Feeding Problems by Trish

I’m really pleased that I’ve received two more ways to avoid large birds getting all the bird food

First way  is From Merry

 Hi Trish!
I have hidden some RSPB Sprinkles under the fallen leaves in the hope that the blackbirds will find them and the woodpigeons won’t! Probably won’t work but worth a try. I put out a whole fat ball on the ground. The blackbird was having a wonderful feast until a carrion crow swooped down and took off with the whole ball in it’s mouth! I was furious! Mind you, it was funny watching it trying to keep it from all the seagulls which suddenly appeared

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The good news is this idea did work -

Hi Trish,
Thankyou for replying to my comment. We have now bought a bird-table to ‘adapt’! Meanwhile, hiding the ‘Sprinkles’ under the leaves and scattering them in the rockery seems to work a treat. The thrushes all seem to find them with ease and the pigeons don’t even think to look under the leaves! I’m a bit worried about the Sprinkles rotting, though, if the birds don’t find them quick enough. What do you think?
Regards,
Merry
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So pleased the idea worked.  I don’t think that the sprinkles will rot in this weather. Thanks for getting in touch

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The second idea is from Sherry


I have this problem too but i find if i put out a lot of bread on the garden they tend to eat this instead of the seed.
i also put corn out for the pigeons.i know they can be a problem but i still would not like to see them go hungry all creatures great and small still count.
sherrylee

 

 

 

This is a true comment.  There are two sides to everything.  I cannot afford for the large birds to eat all the bird food – yet large birds need to eat as well. 

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So there are two really good ideas. 

Put  food under leaves.  I often see blackbirds on the ground and among the fallen leaves.  Good idea.

The second way is also a good way.  Spread the bird food out in different parts of the garden and put different food in different parts of the garden.  I have heard of this working before

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