new bird table

bettybeaver

We were given a lovely new bird table for Xmas which has stood in our garden infront of the kitchen window since. I have ensured that there is always food on it, an assortment of bird seed, apples, cooked rice and other such kitchen left overs, as well as a dish of water. The only problem I have is the pesky birds don't appear to be visiting! What am I doing wrong, or do I just need to exercise a little more patience???

Farway

Maybe too close to the house? Try moving it further away

lainz

Birds like a bit of cover - which is why they like bird feeders in trees - they can hop about the branches - my main bird feeder is down by the hedge and they love to hop in and out of there on to it - I also have a cat so they can see her waddling up the garden!, so if you have somewhere near a bush, tree, hedge that you can still see that's probably a good position.

Olliebeak

It can take them a bit of a while to get used to something new in a garden and then a bit longer for the 'penny to drop' that there's actually food there for them.

debbym

If you have already been feeding them somewhere else e.g. with a hanging feeder, place the table next to that. They should get the idea quicker that it is also associated with food and once they start visiting you can gradually move it a bit at a time towards where you want it to be. But as already suggested completely out in the open may be unrealistic if you get lots of neighbourhood cats etc.

dally1

Hi bettybeaver - I know exactly how you're feeling! I had a lovely bird table bought for me but the birds are ignoring it completely. In fact I've hardly seen any birds around at all - I can only think they are getting fed in other gardens and aren't wasting energy flying around looking for alternatives in this freezing weather.
I've been advised to be patient but it's very hard!

newleaf

They do take a while to get used to something new. Is it safe from predators - cats, for example? You could also try a variety of foods - halved apples and a bit of grated cheese is good for blackbirds & robins.

bettybeaver

Thank you everyone for your replies and I understand all your comments.

Strangely enough when I came downstairs into the kitchen this morning and looked at the table the majority of the food had 'disappeared' !!! So hopefully with a little more patience and time our feathered friends may come flocking :j

wornoutmumoftwo

It does take time. I remember once i put bread out and nobody ate it, now i'm spending a small fortune on bird food. It's a five start restaurant out in m garden.

bettybeaver

wornoutmumoftwo wrote: »

It does take time. I remember once i put bread out and nobody ate it, now i'm spending a small fortune on bird food. It's a five start restaurant out in m garden.

Do you provide chairs and tables as well?????:rotfl:

wornoutmumoftwo

Funny you should say that, have an old mini greenhouse in the garden minus the plastic so they have a seat of sorts and the table is on the floor as it fell off (OH made it).

Just convinced him we need a new bird table