On Wed, 24 May 2006 14:22:41 +0100, Cat(h) wrote
(in article .com):


Sacha Hubbard wrote:
Interesting you say that. I have a seed feeder hanging from my study
window,
which is upstairs and today, I watched a coal tit worrying away at it and
apparently hurling unwanted seed to the ground. He finally found a
sunflower
seed and flew away with it triumphantly. The feeder full of niger seed
appears to attract everything but not, yet, the green finches we were
assured
would go mad for it.

I can confirm that they do - they form the majority of visiting birds
in my garden, and that's what I feed them - when I feed them...
Which brings me to a maybe slightly off topic question: should one
still feed birds this time of year? I haven't refilled the feeders in
over a month, on the basis that grubs and caterpillars are now supposed
to be reasonably plentiful?

Cat(h)


Thanks for that.
From the RSPB site:
When to feed wild birds
Although winter feeding benefits birds most, food shortages can occur at any
time of the year. By feeding year round, we are giving birds a better chance
to survive the periods of food shortage whenever they may occur.
Autumn and winter*
Put out food and water on a regular basis. In severe weather, feed twice
daily if possible, in the morning and in the early afternoon. Birds require
high energy (high fat) foods during the cold winter weather. They need to
maintain their body reserves to survive the frosty nights. All foods listed
in this leaflet are suitable for winter feeding. Use only good quality food
and scraps. Always adjust the quantity given to the demand, and never allow
uneaten foods to accumulate around the feeders. Once you establish a feeding
routine, try not to change it.*
Spring and summer*
Only selected foods should be fed at this time and good hygiene is vital (see
below), or feeding may do more harm than good.*
During the summer months birds require high protein foods, especially while
they are moulting. Black sunflower seeds, pinhead oatmeal, soaked sultanas,
raisins and currants, mild grated cheese, mealworms, waxworms, mixes for
insectivorous birds, good seed mixtures without loose peanuts, RSPB food bars
and summer seed mixture can all be used. Soft apples and pears cut in half,
bananas and grapes are also useful foods. Some people use soaked dog or cat
food and tinned pet foods, but these may attract magpies, crows and cats.
Avoid using peanuts, fat and bread at this time, since these foods can be
harmful if brought to nestlings. If you feel you must put out peanuts, only
do so in suitable mesh feeders that will not allow sizeable pieces of peanuts
to be removed.*

--
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.co.uk
South Devon
email address on web site