On Wed, 12 Mar 2003 21:48:48 +0000 (UTC), "Barry Watts"
wrote:

Thanks for all the responses to this. I am very interested indeed to hear
that some areas quite close to me, in Woodford, Essex, are experiencing a
similar phenomenon, while others, not that far away, are getting lots of
visitors. I am fairly close to Epping Forest here, so expect quite a few
visitors. I've seen birds up at the forest, but nothing this year in the
garden. Apart from starlings - oh and lots of extremely cheeky magpies!

Last year there were lots of birds - so I am ruling out the birds' 'memory
of bad experience' theory. There are cats locally, but not too much of a
problem. On balance, I think I go for one of two ideas.... either it's
Bevan's theory of a predator nearby. Very infrequently I've seen birds of
prey circling overhead (not able to identify... sorry). But they're around
and its a clear possibility. Alternatively, I still wonder if a bulk crop
of peanuts/seeds, common to most local suppliers, might be contaminated.
I've tried sprinkling the seed on the ground and it tends to get eated, but
they're not exactly queuing up for it.

Regards

Baz




overkill of food supplies ? too many neighbours putting out food so
they are all full up ?
and maybe the other food supplies locations may have a preferable
ambience ? how would you rate your garden for light and large plants
? shadows ?