- Jul 10, 2003
- 27,570
I have a couple of bird feeding stations out for the last 10-15 years and generally get a good mix of birds, but have also noticed a lack of chaffinches the last few years. Always had Goldfinches (Niger and Sunflower hearts) but numbers seem to be increasing and Greenfinches are coming back after a couple of years. All of the feeders have those outer cages or covers, so an athletic Starling can get in, but not much bigger (although Greater Spotted woodpeckers somehow wedge themselves in, upside down under the covers).Is it a stand-alone feeding station, away from decent cover? You should get more interest if the feeders are hanging from a tree, or close enough to trees or shrubs so there's a bit of cover. An exposed position leaves the birds wary of predation.
We have flocks of goldfinches around us (just outside of Lewes) and they're suckers for the nigella seeds we put out for them.
My personal favourites that we get in the garden are long-tailed tits. We've very occasionally had bullfinches too.
Chaffinch numbers have noticeably declined.
A few bird boxes around the garden ensures a regular number of Blue and Great Tits, together with Robins and blackcaps.
Never had many sparrows until the last year or so and now have loads. Maybe my regular Sparrow hawk will stop getting ideas above his station and stop taking doves and pigeons in my garden.
I agree that Long tailed tits are my favourites. Occasional, but welcome