Feed the birds!

[irenewilde 10]

The ground has been frozen and mostly under snow for over 2 weeks now. Can I please ask people to consider putting food out for the birds if they're not already doing so? Dried fruit, nuts, apples or pears that might be a bit past their best, cheese, bacon rind, bits of old Christmas pud etc. Or buy some fat balls, suet treats, peanuts. The birds must be struggling by now, judging by the amount that visit my garden every day. It's a satisfying feeling to know you're helping them and you may even spot a bird you haven't seen before as species that don't usually feed in gardens are coming in from the countryside.

 

(Wasn't sure if this belonged in "Sheffield" or "General" discussions. Please move it if I've chosen the wrong section. Thank you)

[pattricia 582]

The ground has been frozen and mostly under snow for over 2 weeks now. Can I please ask people to consider putting food out for the birds if they're not already doing so? Dried fruit, nuts, apples or pears that might be a bit past their best, cheese, bacon rind, bits of old Christmas pud etc. Or buy some fat balls, suet treats, peanuts. The birds must be struggling by now, judging by the amount that visit my garden every day. It's a satisfying feeling to know you're helping them and you may even spot a bird you haven't seen before as species that don't usually feed in gardens are coming in from the countryside.

 

(Wasn't sure if this belonged in "Sheffield" or "General" discussions. Please move it if I've chosen the wrong section. Thank you)

 

I feed the birds every day irene (and the fox at night) but find that the crafty magpies swoop down and pinch everything.

[czechroman 10]

Ive put food out for them, waters harder though as its always freezing:)

[Stan Tamudo 10]

I've been putting plenty out over the last couple of weeks and we had a blackcap in our garden on Friday, it's the first time I've ever seen one.

[utah 10]

Hi Irene, My garden looks like Hansel + Gretel left a trail of crumbs 'cos I sprinkle the path down to my chickens with titbits. I love watching them from the kitchen window. I have a new visitor this year, a moorhen from the nearby fishing pond. I always think birds get a rough ride in winter, least we can do is make sure they have a bit of extra help. Don't forget a bit of fresh water out too when everywhere is frozen.

lynne

[crookesey 636]

A kilo bag of wild bird food costs circa £1.50, nowt really is it?

[irenewilde 10]

This is nice! It's great to know people are doing this and getting enjoyment from it! The water is a hard one (literally!) - I've been going out twice a day with a kettle defrosting my bird baths and they're still freezing over in between times.

[pattricia 582]

A kilo bag of wild bird food costs circa £1.50, nowt really is it?

 

No, if only the wild birds would eat it, and not the flippin magpies.

[ericsean 10]

Been to the garden centre today and bought some little black seeds and a bird feeder tube for the smaller type birds. hope they realise its there. must be hard for the poor little things.

[irenewilde 10]

Been to the garden centre today and bought some little black seeds and a bird feeder tube for the smaller type birds. hope they realise its there. must be hard for the poor little things.

 

Is that niger seed, the really fine stuff you need a special feeder for? It is a bit of a specialist food but if you're lucky you'll get goldfinches which are absolutely beautiful. If you're very, very lucky you'll get a redpoll like I did last year.

[irenewilde 10]

No, if only the wild birds would eat it, and not the flippin magpies.

 

It is annoying isn't it, but in this weather I don't really begrudge them it. Our turkey carcass is diverting them from the birds food at the moment, but it'll have to go in the bin soon! I'm only surprised we haven't had a visit from a sparrowhawk yet, also looking for food :-(

[crookesey 636]

No, if only the wild birds would eat it, and not the flippin magpies.

 

Please recommend anti magpie feed.