Feeding Birds

Hi

As part of garden project I put up two bird boxes and a bird feeding station.

Things started off well, all sorts of birds but now I am down to two.

Wood pigeons and magpies, the others are rarely seen and get bullied.

Any ideas on how to stop this?

Re: Feeding Birds

To protect the small birds, try using a cage feeder. The small birds can get into the cage, but larger birds can't.

You can get hanging feeders, and a cage to put over food for ground feeders.

It might exclude blackbirds and thrushes, though, depending on the size of the gaps.

Re: Feeding Birds

For goldfinches, you can get special feeders for niger seed, which have small holes that only birds with small, narrow beaks can extract the seeds from. That might help too.

You can also get big globe cages that you can hang feeders inside....again, they keep out the large birds..

Re: Feeding Birds

Hi

I have one of these.

Re: Feeding Birds

In which case, cage feeders will definitely help.

If you find the globe cages, you can still hang your feeders inside them.

Re: Feeding Birds

Hi

Thanks.

Re: Feeding Birds

This is an example of the ground feeder cage that I use to have.


https://www.arkwildlife.co.uk/Item/6...rge_Birds.html


I can't find a pic of the globe one, only of ones that come with and integral seed holder, but you may have to resort to those if all else fails. Your local garden centres may have a good selection.

Re: Feeding Birds

If you put the regular feeders on more densely packed trees the big birds cannot get at them. I have put ours on a magnolia tree and the pigeon has to forage on what gets knocked on the ground. The branches are too close to the feeder for all but the tiny birds.

Re: Feeding Birds

We have a similar feeder to yours and the same problem. The magpies ruled the Roost here last winter. I noticed they didn't come down to feed if I was in the garden so I started shooing them out when they arrived, the small birds noticed and came down to grab a bite if I was around. After the cold weather I simply stopped putting food out and I've not seen any of the big magpies for a few weeks.
I may have to invest in the caged feeders too for next Winter.

Re: Feeding Birds

I have two pest off feeders,they are expensive,but well worth it,the seed doesn't get wet,they don't need cleaning as often,..highly recommend.piegons don't get a look in,they have to scavenge for food on the ground.