I wanna attract small birds to my garden

cuffie

I put out lots of birdseed and fatballs etc, but all I get at my bird table is magpies, rooks and pigeons! We live in a lovely semi-rural area with fields backing onto our garden, we have seen robins and blue tits around now and again, but I thought I'd have them flocking around my bird table but the bigger birds seem to be hogging it! Please can you help?? Thanks

Andybez38

I think your allowed to shoot magpies rooks and pigeons, that might help get rid of them and leave the way clear for smaller birds. (Theyre probbably crapping themselves with that lot around)

cuffie

OMG I couldn't do that!!! But I agree - the little ones are probably scared of even going near the bird table. OK - apart from shooting the big ones....any other ideas??!!

Debt_Free_Chick

Do you just have the table or feeders too?

The larger birds usually can't get to the feeders and tits, in particular, will generally visit feeders.

Or a table with a roof, so the bigger birds can't fit underneath.

U've_been_framed

Have a look at the squirrel proof bird feeders. Some of them make it difficult for the larger birds to get at the food.
Our feeders are in a tree and we cut away any twigs that larger birds may use as perchs.

Gingernutmeg

I find the smaller birds in my garden prefer to go for the fat balls I've got hanging in the bushes - they're not keen on the table. I recently got one of those little 'cages' that you can put a fat block in and they seem to love that - I live in SE London in a really urban area but I've got blackbirds, robins, sparrows, a thrush, coal tits and great tits. It takes a while though, they have to get used to knowing there's a food source.

shely33

i,v got a cheery tree and the day the cherrys were ripe all the little birds swooped down and stole them ,i ran outside screaming at them but they,d had the lot...
.....maybe you could get some fruit trees ,bushes..

ixwood

Teasels or sunflowers will attract seed eaters. Finches and the like.

Little birds seem to seem to like feeders, rather than tables. Spread the food around and sure you'll get some interest.

A bird bath might help too.

pinkdrink

Its the magpies that tend to scare away the smaller birds - just the mere appearance of one in our garden and the birds scatter and squawk til its gone again. They don't mind the pigeons, carrion crows, jackdaws and all feed happily without any problems. Put some fatballs in a feeder and hang it in an open space because they prefer to be able to see and escape from any predators. Smaller birds like to feed together in groups too (safety in numbers) so the longer feeders are better than the shorter ones. Good luck with attracting them and watch out for those pesky magpies!

lilac_lady

I've put a bird bath near a big bush in my garden and the birds love it. I think it's because the little ones can make a quick escape if the larger ones appear. I get lots of different birds ranging from pigeons and seagulls to starlings and thrushes but so far, no magpies.

cajef

Andybez38 wrote: »

I think your allowed to shoot magpies rooks and pigeons, that might help get rid of them and leave the way clear for smaller birds.

Not advisable all birds are protected by law some species can be culled but only by people holding a special licence.

http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/law/whatsintheroof/thelaw.asp