Topic: Bird Feeders. A cautionary tale.

[tim]

If anyone finds that the birds like the magnificent four star feeder, please tell me - I'm SO disappointed!! No takers yet. = Tim

PS - Hugh tells me that I've 'tidied up' the picture - sorry - I'll do another should anyone want!

26/2 - OK - done it! One thing - the squirrel took one look and gave up!!

[tim]

I'm now trying hanging a conventional feeder underneath, to see if that will attract something! = Tim

[Hugh_Jones]

Looks pretty squirrel-proof as well, tim.

[MagpieDi]

Sorry Tim, no wish to dishearten you , but tried several so-called squirrel proof feeders, and they all proved to be bird proof too!!  ::)  Consequently abandoned !

Makes one wonder if they've been rigorously consumer tested before marketing!!  :)

[Hugh_Jones]

Di, we have a completely squirrel proof bird feeder. It consists of an ordinary bird feeder hanging from the centre of a galvanised wire strung tightly between 2 trees 30 feet apart.  No squirrel has yet managed to progress more than 5 feet along the wire without falling off, and it gives the grandchildren endless amusement.

[MagpieDi]

Hahaha!! Nice one Hugh!  ;D
Shame, not practical for my modest patch!!

[tim]

I think you've been lucky, Hugh? I seem to recall, on TV, that that was child's play for them.

Anyway - we thankfully don't have a problem with them - the one I quoted was a loner, who this year stripped our very large walnut and planted the nuts in next door's garden. Much to the owner's disgust!! It's now digging them up!! = Tim

[anna]

The lone squirrel who uses our garden broke my peanut feeder wide open - I now have the peanuts in pots on the patio table, which the birds seems to prefer too. I've even had tree creepers and jays now! The only problem is that they run out daily now where they're more popular.

As to the squirrel - I've had a fat-filled coconut which the tits liked. My other half caught saw the squirrel trying to carry it off over the garden fence. I don't mind feeding the squirrel but I wish it wouldn't do so much damage.  ::)

[Gardengirl]

Tim - have you tried changing the type of food - I use sunflower hearts and the birds go crazy for them. I get a large sackful from CJ Wild Birdfood.  Thanks for the number by the way but I think I will wait to see if you have any success before I order one ;)

[Gardengirl]

Tim, following on from my previous message I am curious to know whether you have had any success with your 'posh' bird feeder yet ;) :)

[tim]

Sorry I've not been back!  I was waiting until something happened, and yesterday it did - ONE ROBIN!! And again today. Grateful for small mercies, I suppose, but not what I'd hoped for.
Yes, they have a choice of foods - in the 2 sides. But I might have a go at hearts. I've added a fat ball underneath, hoping it may act as a 'come-on'. That's now being used a bit.

And MD - the other 'squirrel-proof' thing - a dome over a tray - gets used constantly. So we'll keep trying. = Tim

[MagpieDi]

Thanks for the tip Tim! One feeder I gave up on was a stainless steel nut cage with a domed cover. Must be in the garage somewhere!  ::)  Will give it another go.  :)

[tim]

2 robins today! = Tim

[tim]

- and now the tits - so there's hope??

Oh, and the starlings have suddenly returned - to decimate the fat ball. = Tim

[Muddy_Boots]

Just wait until you get a wren vying with the robins tim, and you will never know peace in the garden again!  Their arguments go on for ever!  :D