Help on what to do with my garden please :)

fimonkey

Hi Anna, I think the birds will be a slow thing too and you've just reminded me..., ..

When I first put out grass seed it was eaten by squirrels, pigeons and rats! All three found ways to access my 'squirrel proof' bird tables. I moved these feeders so they hung over the barest patches and the seed these creatures dropped also helped 'grass' the area.

Now I have quite a few bluetits and great tits and even a bluejay last week, but it took them about 3 years to realise food was there. They never touch the fat balls only the bird seed on the table (which seems to be the same as grass seed with a few sunflower seeds in it). I still have far more visits from pigeons, squirrels and rats .. I like them all (to those who claim they are vermin, I've caught nastier things from humans who are much more 'verminous' IMHO).

Maybe the lack of birds in your garden is due to a high cat population? If so then feeders with grass seed that are off the ground will eventually attract a few feathered friends to your garden.

loopyanna

Hi Fimonkey - do you know the cat issue didn't even cross my mind but we have one and next door have 5!!! That may very well explain the bird issue - lol! I have hung two feeders high so hopefully they will come in time - but with that many cats around i wouldn't blame them if they didn't! I feel like an idiot for not thinking about the cats sooner - duh.

Thanks again.