Garden Bird Appeal

[Linda]

Kath, I dont just have a problem with typos I have a whole problem of words put together!!

I didn't mean capture the birds and post them here!!! I meant photos!!

[Kath Mulligan]

Kath, I dont just have a problem with typos I have a whole problem of words put together!!

I didn't mean capture the birds and post them here!!! I meant photos!!

You know, until you posted your correction on here, I hadn't read that as meaning anything other than photos!!! Just goes to show that you read what you expect to see, doesn't it?

Will see if I can catch any of ours, although I haven't been feeding them much recently since our rat infestation (now hopefully over). We have had a bird singing ever so sweetly for the last few evenings just as it was going dusk, but I haven't managed to spot it yet so don't know what it is. It doesn't sound like the blackbird and it only seems to sing just as the light is fading.

Kath

[adesmith]

Phew!!! I was just about to climb into the loft to get Rupert's fishing net! Mind you I think it is going to be just as difficult getting a picture of them. Maybe in half term (after Cornwall) I might get chance to sit and watch out of the window for a while.

What do people feed the birds in the warmer weather? I think it was on here that you should only feed high energy and fatty food stuffs in the winter. I am guessing that bird seeds are good and fruit I would imagine.

[jane jackson]

I was like Kath, Linda, and read what I expected to see but when I read your bold type I just laughed out loud at the thought! It may be quite a while before I manage to "capture" any birds feeding as they're very cautious and don't hang around very long so far. My friend thinks my coal tits may be blackcaps which is a name I'd forgotten and having looked in my bird book she may well be right.

You'll need your log burner Adrian, it's a bit chilly here tonight although 3c outside at present.

[Kath Mulligan]

What do people feed the birds in the warmer weather? I think it was on here that you should only feed high energy and fatty food stuffs in the winter. I am guessing that bird seeds are good and fruit I would imagine.

I never feed the birds in summer, Adrian because there are plenty of grubs and insects around for them to feed their youngsters.

Kath

[jane jackson]

The robin, wren and great tit came back to the feeders today as did the pair who I can't identify. I had a better look today with the binoculars and the top of the head was white with a black area on both sides below that which met at the back of the head. They have long tails and were on the peanuts. Could they be long tailed tits? I saw this pair (probably same ones) last summer flying in and out of some shrubs and wasn't sure then but I had a closer look today.

[adesmith]

Its great that your visitors are becoming regulars Jane. Most of the food was taken off the tray on our feeder when I got home tonight so something has been taking it. Wish we could catch them at it! I am afraid that I am no good at identifying birds (as you have probably guessed with my mystery river birds) so I cant help you out with the possible Long Tailed Tits.

[Gilly]

The bird you describe Jane has the same markings as one I saw on a feeder in the garden today. Looking through my bird book I guessed it was a Long tailed Tit also. The long tail clinched it for me such a pretty bird. In my bird book it states "The long tailed tit does not eat many seeds preferring to eat insects. They are busy little birds always on the move seemily searching for food. Family groups join together in the Autumn and Winter and the large feeding parties trill they way through gardens and woods."

I shall be peering through the binoculars tomorrow in the hope of seeing the Long tails again. I will be peering at the sky tonight in an attempt to view the stars. I have no knowledge of stargazing so this will be a first attempt with an old telescope!

Regards
Gilly

[Linda]

Adrian we feed our birds all year so as not to deprive them of food by stopping, they still go off and eat fruit, insects etc...bearing in mind we live in 'midge country'...!.....guess thats why we have such a large population and variety of birds now....there was a view once that you shouldnt feed them in Summer etc and then RSPB said you could so we do...and have done for eight years now..there were no birds near when we moved here...now there is birdsong all year...
...could that bird you heard Kath be a Mistlethrush??

[Gilly]

I too have heard the birds can be feed all year round obviously avoiding bread in the Springtime as it is too heavy for the babies to digest. Although I wonder if the food we provide for the birds in the summer months acts as a supplement to their diet of fruits insects etc or if they still regard our provisions as their main source?

Gilly