There are all kinds of ways to feed
birds, from bird tables and hanging feeders to devices you can make yourself.
Bird tables
Bird tables are suitable for many species and most foods. A simple tray
is perfectly adequate, with or without a roof. It needs a raised rim to retain
the food and a gap at each corner of the rim to allow rainwater drain away and
allow you to clean away droppings and uneaten food. Do not be tempted by
elaborate designs that are difficult to clean.
Feeders
Nut feeders are
made of steel mesh, and are the only safe method of offering nuts to wild
birds. The mesh size needs to be large enough to prevent beak damage and small
enough to prevent large pieces of nut from being removed – about 6 mm is a good
compromise.
Seed feeders are
tubular transparent containers with holes, through which birds are able to
access the seed. These are designed for sunflower seeds and seed mixes labelled
feeder seed. They will attract tits, siskins and greenfinches.
Nyjer seed is smaller and needs a special type of seed feeder. They are
particularly popular with goldfinches and siskins. Hopper types with trays or
flat surfaces are suited to general cereal based mixes, although any seed mix
can be used. They will attract a similar range of birds to a bird table.
Make sure that all feeders drain easily and do not allow the build-up of old
food with the associated health risks.
Home-made devices
Half-coconuts and tit bells filled with fat, bird cake, etc can be hung
from your bird table, a tree or from a bracket on a wall. They will attract
greenfinches, house sparrows and tits.
Other ideas
Fill the holes and cracks of a post or suspended log with fatty food,
such as suet, for agile birds, such as tits, nuthatches, woodpeckers,
treecreepers and even wrens.
Thrushes and dunnocks prefer to feed on the ground. For these birds,
scatter food on the lawn or use a ground feeding tray or hopper well clear of
cover to avoid lurking cats. Remember to change the area you scatter the food
over every few days, and never put out more than is eaten the same day to avoid
attracting vermin.
If you put food such as apples and bread on the ground, space it out in
different places in the garden. This will reduce competition between birds so
that more birds can feed at any one time. If there is snow on the ground, clear
small areas before putting down the food.
If you have a garden, consider planting items for wildlife to feed on or
take shelter in.
Mesh bags – a warning
Peanuts and fat balls are
regularly sold in nylon mesh bags. Never put out any food in mesh bags. These
may trap birds’ feet and even cause broken or torn off feet and legs. Birds
with a barbed tongue, eg woodpeckers, can become trapped by their beaks
Actively discourage the black, four legged flightless variety to your bird table
No comments:
Post a Comment