Possible Reasons Birds Aren’t Visiting
There are a few possible reasons why birds may not be coming to your bird feeder in the UK:
Wrong Food
You may be putting out food that doesn’t appeal to the birds in your area. Different birds have different food preferences. Here are some tips:
- Black sunflower seeds attract blue tits, great tits, greenfinches, house sparrows and wood pigeons.
- Peanuts appeal to woodpeckers, great spotted woodpeckers, great tits, blue tits and coal tits.
- Nyjer seeds attract finches like goldfinches, siskins and redpolls.
- Mealworms are relished by robins, wrens, dunnocks and song thrushes.
Make sure you are putting out foods that target the species you want to attract.
Wrong Location
Birds may not be able to access the bird feeder due to its location. Here are some placement tips:
- Position the feeder within 1-2 metres of trees or bushes so birds have somewhere to perch before approaching.
- Avoid placing it in the open, as birds like cover to escape predators.
- Don’t position it too close to windows, as reflections will deter birds.
- Try to place it at the same level as surrounding vegetation.
Consider moving your feeder to a better spot if the location may be deterring birds.
Lack of Shelter
Birds like having access to shelter nearby where they can escape from predators and take cover in bad weather. Make sure there are shrubs, trees or a hedge nearby so birds have somewhere to hide.
Overgrown Vegetation
If the area around your bird feeder is overgrown, birds may not be able to access it or see potential threats. Trim back encroaching vegetation to create a cleared area around the feeder.
Lack of Water
Providing water can increase the number of birds visiting your garden. Add a bird bath, fountain or small wildlife pond within view of feeders. Position it away from bushes where cats may ambush from.
Competition from Other Food Sources
When natural food sources are abundant, like berries in winter or insects in summer, birds are less reliant on bird feeders. Reduce how much food you put out when nature provides alternatives.
Fledglings Left the Nest
When young birds fledge in spring and summer, parents are busy finding natural food sources and no longer visit feeders as frequently. Keep feeders stocked and activity will resume once fledglings are independent.
Predators Nearby
If birds don’t feel safe coming to your feeder, they will look for food elsewhere. Discourage predators like cats and sparrowhawks by keeping vegetation trimmed, avoiding tall perches and positioning the feeder close to cover.
When to Expect Birds
Here is a guide to when you’re most likely to see birds flocking to your feeder in the UK:
Season | Explanation |
---|---|
Winter | More birds visit feeders in winter when natural food is scarce. Maintain full feeders from November to February. |
Spring | Activity decreases in spring as birds focus on nesting and feeding young. Keep feeders stocked for hungry parents. |
Summer | With abundant insects and fruit, summer sees fewer birds at feeders. Top up feeders in early mornings. |
Autumn | As temperatures drop in autumn, bird activity at feeders increases again ahead of winter. |
Tips to Attract More Birds
Here are some useful tips to make your bird feeder more attractive and bring in more birds:
Offer a Variety of Foods
Cater to different species by providing several food types, like suet, seeds, nuts and fruit. Platform feeders allow you to provide mixed foods.
Use Quality Seed and Nut Mixes
Seek out specialist bird food companies that don’t use cheap fillers like wheat and milo that birds ignore. Pay extra for premium seed mixes.
Supplement Food with Fruit
As well as bird feed, try offering chopped fruit like apples, grapes, berries and melons in a mesh feeder. Fruit will appeal to thrushes and blackbirds.
Have Multiple Feeders
Rather than one large feeder, have a few different feeder styles in small sizes positioned around the garden. This prevents bullying birds dominating.
Clean Feeders Regularly
Dirty feeders can make birds ill and will put them off visiting. Disinfect and scrub feeders every two weeks, or more often in wet weather.
Rotate Feeder Positions
Move feeder locations around your garden from time to time to create new feeding hot spots and appeal to different species.
Provide Fresh Water
A clean water source encourages birds to spend more time. Top up birdbaths daily and scrub weekly to prevent disease spread.
Use Feeders with Perches
Look for seed feeders with perches, as these allow birds to feed comfortably. Avoid tube feeders for small birds that must cling on.
Start Feeding Early
Get birds accustomed to your feeders by starting to put food out as early as September. This establishes a routine ahead of winter.
Be Patient
It can take a few weeks for birds to discover new feeders and establish regular habits. Persist and they will eventually find it.
Troubleshooting Issues
Here are some solutions to common bird feeder problems:
Issue | Solution |
---|---|
Squirrels stealing food | Use squirrel-proof feeders, baffles and place feeder on a pole. |
Ants invading feeders | Coat pole with petroleum jelly or insect repellent. Move feeder regularly. |
Mouldy, wet seed | Discard old seed regularly. Use feeders with drainage holes. |
Feeders clogged with seed hulls | Choose feeders that allow removal of hulls. Regularly clean feeders. |
Aggressive birds scaring others | Use several small feeders spread apart to prevent monopolization. |
Conclusion
Be patient and try different techniques if birds are slow to visit your new feeder. Position it sensibly, protect from predators, offer appealing foods and provide shelter and water to create an attractive haven. The birds will eventually discover your garden oasis, so persist and enjoy watching your feathered visitors thrive. Providing supplementary food will support local bird populations and give you immense pleasure observing nature on your doorstep.