feeding the birds

[Harry R]

I've just done some sums, and the birds in the garden are getting through about a pound of this stuff (http://www.gardenbird.com/PRODUCTS/1/AM.JPG) a day.

There are several peanut feeders up, as well.

I hate to think how much they'll eat when winter comes.

Harry

[Roge]

You could try here Harry:

Big Bird Feed (http://www.blue-mountain.net/)

[Tony Hoffman]

Originally posted by Harry R

There are several peanut feeders up, as well.

Harry

The good news is that I don't think you have to worry about the peanuts eating a pound a day. :-)

[Rachel Bunting]

Harry, didn't you know you're not supposed to feed birds in the summer?! :rolleyes:

Rachel

[Ted]

They now rely on the food source you're providing. They will starve if you remove it.

How's that for pressure?

Ted

[Harry R]

Originally posted by rachelb
Harry, didn't you know you're not supposed to feed birds in the summer?! :rolleyes:

Rachel

Actually, the RSPB's current advice is that it's fine to feed birds in summer. There was a bit of a scare a few years ago that birds would choke their chicks by force-feeding them whole peanuts; but they discovered that (a) only very inexperienced mothers who couldn't find any other food did it and (b) if you just put the nuts in a feeder with a mesh small enough to prevent them taking the nuts whole, it solves that problem.

Harry

[Tony Hoffman]

My mother doesn't feed birds in the summer--but only because the bears will come and knock down the feeder.

[Rachel Bunting]

My brother's working with the IBP (Institute for Bird Population) (http://www.birdpop.org) here in the States, and he has been calling me from across the country with admonishments not to feed them in the summer.

Does this mean I can tell him to be quiet? (Finally!)

Rachel

[Harry R]

from the RSPB website -

http://www.rspb.org.uk/gardens/feedinggardenbirds/index.asp?featureID=23291&ComponentID=23291&SourcePageID=23316#1

When to feed wild birds

The value of winter feeding has been known for a long time, but in recent years it has become apparent that many birds are struggling to survive during the breeding season because of the fluctuations in weather, intensive farming and greater tidiness in gardens and all built up areas. By feeding year round, we are giving birds a better chance to survive the periods of food shortage whenever they may occur.

Autumn and winter

Put out food and water on a regular basis. If the weather is severe, feed twice daily if possible, in the morning and in the early afternoon. Always adjust the quantity given to the demand, and never allow uneaten foods to accumulate around the feeders. Always use good quality food and scraps. All foods listed in this leaflet are suitable for winter feeding. Once you establish a routine, please try not to change it.

Spring and summer

Only selected foods should be fed at this time and good hygiene is vital (see below), or feeding may do more harm than good. Black sunflower seeds, pinhead oatmeal, sultanas, raisins, currants, mild grated cheese, mealworms, waxworms, mixes for insectivorous birds (from pet shops), good seed mixtures without loose peanuts, RSPB food bars and summer seed mixture can all be used. Soft apples and pears cut in half, bananas and grapes are also useful foods. Some people also use soaked dog or cat food and tinned pet foods. These can be helpful but may well attract magpies, crows and other large species. Avoid using peanuts, fat and bread at this time, since these foods can be harmful if brought to young nestlings. If you feel you must put out peanuts, only do so in suitable mesh feeders that will not allow whole or half peanuts to be removed.

Source: Feeding garden birds wildlife information leaflet (1998)

[Rachel Bunting]

Excellent, thank you.
I'm sending that on to him!

Rachel
mutter mutter
damn ornithologists and their
tree-hugging hippie self righteousness ;)

[Dunc]

I'm dejected that folk who don't visit pffa will never know this. Sigh / Dunc

[Seremba]

Originally posted by Harry R
I've just done some sums, and the birds in the garden are getting through about a pound of this stuff (http://www.gardenbird.com/PRODUCTS/1/AM.JPG) a day.

There are several peanut feeders up, as well.

I hate to think how much they'll eat when winter comes.

Harry

It depends what birds are doing most of the eating, I feed the crows early - well I don't mean to they just devour everything and I leave a little seed out for the smaller birds later in the day, the crows aren't as keen on that and they are shy when people are buzzing about. Has anyone noticed the increase in Magpies this weather, we never used to have them, now I think they are frightening away the little ones. I did keep feeding through the breeding season, but I noticed that some birds weren't too fussy about the table, however the feeders are alive with tits and finches, there is one little finch that stands waiting beside you while you refresh the seeds in the feeder and fill the water bowl.

We had a hawk nesting close this year, she was more interested in the hen's chicks than seeds though!!

It is great to see the bird life and the reward for helping them out over the winter months is listening to the dawn chorous in early summer, with each one telling you they're still around.

S.