Picture posting is enabled for all :)
After a quiet spell on the feed station the birds have come back in droves. Still only got sparrows, collared doves, greenfinches starlings. They are certainly getting through the food now. Living in hopes of getting more finches this winter. Did think of asking my son to make a sign pointing to the feeders ;DLorna
Many thanks for your enquiry. This year we have had a very mild autumn and a prolific berry and seed crop. Birds of all species have natural behavioural patterns over the course of the year. At this time of the year their instincts are steering them towards feeding up for winter. This results in them abandoning their breeding territories and feeding in loose flocks where there is adequate food to go around. This natural bounty is far more prolific and accessible than anything we can provide. I have witnessed the same as you, gardens just are not the place to be for blackbirds at this time of year. They are still around on the reserve here though, taking advantage of the yew berries that have just come into season. This trend is true for other areas with berry bearing hedgerows, trees and shrubs being the major attraction. Feed the birds day is not just about providing food in the garden for the birds, it is also about getting involved with nature, watching bird behaviour and improving our garden habitats for the benefit of wildlife. Birds are dynamic creatures which keep us guessing all the time which adds to their charm. Do not worry, they will return to gardens when the food supply runs low later in the winter, until then it may be worth going to your nearest nature reserve or local oak woodland as that should be a good place to track down flocks of awol garden birds. Yours sincerelyIan HaywardWildlife EnquiriesThis was my answer from the RSPB about the lack of wildbirds feeding in our gardens just now. Will see if they all turn up tomorrow which is FEED THE BIRDS DAY. ;D ;D ;D ;D