Giving the birds some protein.

Hi all,

I put some stuff on the compost heap this morning when I took the cover off there were loads of slugs on it so I have put these along with a handfull of worm in a tray and put it on the lawn. The blackbirds are having a field day, I also left the heap uncovered and the resident robin is filling his boots aswell. I thought they might be greatfull of a bit of protein in this cold snap.

Rusty

 

I've been putting all sorts of leftovers out for the birds in this cold snap,as well as seed, nuts and fatballs, after a curry the other night found one thing they don't like though is pilau rice, had to go out and collect it up before nightfall don't want to attract vermin, poppadoms they love though and leftover pastry went pretty quick too, cleared a bit of grass of snow so they can still get to the grass for worms, and defrosted the birdbaths 3 or 4 times a day, had 3 blue tits sharing a bath yesterday, poor little things need all the help they can get, 3 robins!!! in the garden at the moment too so lots of scrapping and chasing going on, think 2 of them are a pair but the other's just pushing his luck such vicious little birds when their territories threatened , right off to check the compost bin for slugs now Rusty

 

Only bird I've ever seen eat a slug is a crow, and even then they like to rub it in the mud for ages, presumably to get rid of some of the slime.

 

I have found they don't like pasta either.

Redwings have a particular liking for apples, I don't think they mind which variety.

 

The blackbirds are always the first for the apples here, lucky you Strongy we never get redwings.

 

Suet always out in the winter. Have to roam down there this weekend and put a fresh cake in and fill the feeders.

 

First off I only have six Blackbirds, five Wood Pigeons, three blue tits, two robins, and two dunnocks
Last year they devoured the seed I put out, this year I still have the 1 cwt sack more or less intact, they are just not interested
They devour the fat balls, bread,and Spam Oh and four Christmas puddings

Do not know why they do not touch the seed though, it is quality RSPB STUFF

Jack McH

 

Just got down in time yesterday. Loaded up the two suet cages with Hot Pepper Suet (keeps squirrels away) and both seed holders, one for small finches and one for the larger birds. And overnight, 3 inches of fresh fluffy snow flew in. As some of you know I have cats. My bird feeders are located behind the gazebo, which is about 100 paces from my house deck where the cats like to stay. They rarely roam down to the bird feeders unless I am there tending the gardens in that area. So birds are relatively safe.

 

Jack, not all birds are naturally seed eaters. Your blackbirds and robins for instance. A seed eating bird is usually defined by a short, solid looking, bluntish beak. Sparrows, tits, finches etc.