Where are the birds?

[Maccabee]

Greenfinch, at least i think it was (i need to get a set of binoculars, my garden isn't massive i'm just blind), perched on the feeder this morning

[Polly Fouracre]

I cared for a lady who lived right on Dartmoor. I stayed with her at night and, oh, my goodness, the birds that I saw visit her garden in the mornings as I sat drinking my cup of tea!
She had several bird tables and feeders and they attracted woodpeckers, green and pied,nuthatches, treecreepers, and a whole assortment of rarely spotted birds.
She told me that when she first started feeding the birds it took a very long time for them to visit and when they did others soon found out and flocked there. So, don't despair yet!

[Nicos]

Did you see Autumn Watch last night???

Apparently- a lot of migratory birds are still off in the East, still in mainland Europe- waiting for the very cold weather to encourage them to migrate West.

[pauco]

As soon as the temp changes, they will be back (as Arnie used to say)


paul.

[Two_Sheds]

This Little one was found on the beach yesterday ~ I don't know if he's injured or just fancied a day at the seaside. He was taken to a sanctuary

[pauco]

This Little one was found on the beach yesterday ~ I don't know if he's injured or just fancied a day at the seaside. He was taken to a sanctuary

Looks like a little Owl?? Introduced in Britain 19century, they are partly diurnal. They also make a habit
of perching fully exposed, so they are easy to spot.
Their diet consists of insects-small birds small amphibians & snakes.
Cracking little birds.

paul.

[The Bear]

Thought I'd post a quick update. Weather is now cooler / cold / freezing so guess now the birds might appreciate some extra grub. Bird feeder remains full as does my nieghbours (although I guess he could be topping) and haven't seen any birds around. I did throw an apple on the lawn but it remains untouched (although they were a bit sour!). I'm out all day and the dark evening mean I don't get to observe the garden much. I've got a fair bit of time off over Christmas and the New Year so will see what we get!

Aside from apples, does anyone think they might be tempted by other foods. I sometimes have various meat, pasta, veg and other bits that goes into the recycle bin that I could try throwing on the lawn Other land based animals are unable to access the garden as it is fenced. At my Dad's house you could throw anything out and these foxes would gladly clear it up overnight.

[Two_Sheds]

My blackbirds have just come back in the last couple of days, they have sultanas soaked in water (they struggle to find water when it's all icy).

[jacob marley]

I have just seen the Chaffinch with the club foot this is the third winter he has been about he is lasting well..jacob

[pauco]

Ground feeders such as Blackbirds-Thrushes,Starlings, Robins, will love you for Sultanas-Apples-just
leave on your lawn/garden.
Other birds will go for fat balls, hung in feeders, and on bird tables put some loose seed, lawn seed
will do. The most important thing in freezing weather is water, they really do need our help there.


paul.

[Two_Sheds]

Bird Cake Recipe

wild bird seed
sultanas
oats
cooked potato
chopped apple, etc
beef suet (veggie is bad for the birds' feathers)

heatproof plastic mould (Xmas pudding bowls are good, also takeaway containers, silicone muffin moulds)


half fill mould with suet. Microwave until the fat is melted. Stir in seed etc. Add a piece of string. Cool, then freeze. When solid, pop the cake out and hang it out for the birds. (freezing it stops the grease getting all over your hands)

I've experimented over the years with all the different bird feeds, and have settled on this method. It saves a lot of wasted seed, as none gets spilled on the ground, and also keeps the woodpigeons away, because they can't get to the food.

[dogsbody]

Just counted 8 chaffinchs in the garden cherry tree (4 pairs) - the most I have seen at any one time. I bet you they aren't there when it is Big Garden Birdwatch time (last weekend in January)

[Strawberry delight]

our bird love the suet filled coconut halves that we get from our local garden center! we always have birds on our feeders!