Don't forget our old birds
- 29 November 2010 20:4582341this bears no relation to our susan, i stress that first.
the last harsh winter meant that we lost a lot of our feathered friends, and it looks like the same could happen again.
those with bird tables may be loathe to go into the garden during this freeeze, the birds need you more than ever, a nice fat ball would be much appreciated.
if things go on for long, then regular bowls of water are vital as their normal supply may be iced up. - 29 November 2010 20:4982342I have a ton of food out for our feathered friends. Today's visitors included the regular robin, five ring neck doves, about a dozen starlings (who also had a bath in the stream and when they were finished the sparrows took over.) I bought some trays of suet with insects and fruit in and they are going down a treat.
- 29 November 2010 20:5382343Dinner time.
I've eaten too much!! - 29 November 2010 21:1582345Jeane,
"It's supposed to be for the birds!!
- 29 November 2010 21:1682346Yes we to have loads out for the birds etc and also going out when I can to the ponys at the BAY.
- 29 November 2010 21:2182348Lovely pictures. I've often thrown bread for the ducks in the Dour as so many of us do in winter. But should I? Is bread actually good for them?
- 29 November 2010 21:4082351the problem with throwing bread to ducks is twofold.
most people tend to throw too much.
a) the residue pollutes the water.
b) it attracts rats. - 29 November 2010 21:5182353Now now Howard, on the Fact Or Fiction thread you told me I had got it wrong and the scientists had got it right, no harsh winter this year.
Contrary to belief, bread is of little or no use to any bird even though they woff it down.
If you want to feed the ducks try a bag of wheat or corn, they also love fish pellets that are cheap enough to buy.
Garden birds as Howard says try fat balls packed with seed, easiest to make yourself if you know how. any nuts or seeds and a good one to buy is coconuts. I acquired a luverly pair in the local supermarket at the weekend for a squid, cut them in half and hang them up, Bacon rind, crackling with the fat still on, baked potatoes.grass grows by the inches but dies by the feet. - 29 November 2010 22:0582355Jeane, are you feeding them on bread and Buddha?
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson - 29 November 2010 22:0782357 you got in before me Peter.grass grows by the inches but dies by the feet.
- 29 November 2010 22:0882359Bread and Buddha pudding? She must have a good raison d'etre.
- Jan Higgins
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,895
29 November 2010 22:1082360No problem with bread thrown by people near Morrisons, if the ducks don't get it the seagulls will. Bread is better than nothing.-----------------------------------------------------------------------
I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
------------------------------------------------------------------- - 29 November 2010 22:3982367 Peter, good one!
Phil.
If I am late putting the food out I get fly-by squaking! One dove also comes and taps on the door and has twice got into the conservatory - Alec Sheldon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 18 Aug 2008
- Posts: 1,037
30 November 2010 00:3882370The birds in our garden are better fed than me Howard. My missus spends a fortune on various seeds and fat balls. I have got quite a big garden with lots of trees and bushes so it is a haven for birds. We saw one the other day that I have never seen before, looking through the bird books it appears to be a gold finch. It had the most beautiful colours and not much bigger than a tit.
Apparently they prefer untidy gardens with lots of weeds etc. so it came to the right place then - 30 November 2010 09:5582378How about a picture of your fat balls, Alec?I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
- Brian Dixon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
30 November 2010 10:4882382peter,that sounds rather kinky. 
- 30 November 2010 11:1582383 Peter, has me in mind of Chef in South Park and his Choccy ones! I feel a song coming on....
Good on Jeane and all for saving the birds, our ducks are fattening up on Maize meal (there's alway some left in the pot for them) and the pidgeons tap on the glass for more at times.Oh Boy!, That'll be the day......... - 30 November 2010 11:3182393The green woodpecker visited yesterday and spent a long time finding insects under the grass - would have some difficulty today.
Don't forget, as well as food the birds need water.
And robins love cheese.---------------------------------------------------
Lincolnshire Born and Bred - Alec Sheldon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 18 Aug 2008
- Posts: 1,037
30 November 2010 13:0382406I will call in later in the week Peter and bring my fat balls with me if this snow lifts
- 30 November 2010 13:5782421We got snow
These two doves were sitting in the snow!
This one got to the food bowl before I had the chance to clear the snow off!
