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Post by fouram on Mar 27, 2006 13:31:20 GMT -8
Seems as if the joys I get from the bird feeder at my apartment is not shared at all. There seems to be a complaint about the "mess" it creates outside the apartment on the ground floor--(not really, but why argue?) Can someone suggest when the most opportune time is to "put the feeder away"--ie: when the birds should be well on their way to having a well rounded diet here, without the feeder? Thanks to all responding--Al
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Post by tmanson on Mar 27, 2006 17:33:29 GMT -8
Al: It's too bad that your fellow apt. dwellers don't appreciate the wonder of nature.
I don't think there is any magic date to stop feeding birds. There is probably a stronger arguement that they don't really need our help to survive. Anna's Hummingbird might be an exception.
An alternative strategy might be offer to clean up the " so called mess" on a regular basis in exchange for being allowed to keep your feeder out. Maybe, that way you'll convert a few more folks to the pleasure derived from watching birds. Just a suggestion. Good luck.
Thor Manson
Hope, B.C.
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Post by Dave on Mar 27, 2006 18:45:06 GMT -8
Al:
How about creating some sort of device to catch the mess before it falls. (I am assuming the "mess" is seed shells on the ground/concrete below?) Don't stop feeding yet, you might have a Painted Bunting show up!
Dave
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Post by Gord on Mar 31, 2006 13:30:26 GMT -8
Al, the birds will be ok if you have to take the feeder down. Aside from periods of subzero temperatures and deep snow, the birds do fine in our area.
Too bad of this problem though. Dave had a good idea though. I hope something like that can be devised to compromise with the concerns? You could also consider feeding seeds such as more millet less sunflowers as there is less mess from millet. Sunflower shells are probably the worst (for those who mind) for making a mess after peanuts in the shell. Happily, but for a little more $, you can buy both sunflower and peanuts that are shelled. Reduces the mess but still keeps the birds like chickadees and finches who love sunflowers happy.
Hope all works out!
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Post by fouram on Apr 4, 2006 3:41:19 GMT -8
Thanks for the replies! The Lady who complianed thought that someone was "playing a joke" on her and was a little upsewt until she found out it was me that had a feeder, when I washed down my patio it washed hers too, and she is a little less to complain now. I had to move the feeder over about 5 feet, and although I have to watch the birds from a different spot, and while standing, at least the feed is still available to them with no other changes, so all ends well, again, thanks for the replies--Al---now to get a hummer feeder  |
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Post by tmanson on Apr 4, 2006 10:44:45 GMT -8
Al: Hurray for common sense, which seems to be in short supply these days. Glad to hear you will be able to continue to hang out your feeder. Those hummers are a joy to watch as well. Have fun.
Thor
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Post by fouram on May 18, 2006 13:38:16 GMT -8
I hope no-one minds my (numerous) questions, I am new to the "try to bring the birds to me" game! Is it possible to snag a passing one or more Goldfinches at this time of year? If so I will put up a Niger feeder as well as the one I have for the Purple/House Finches. Appreciate all and any responses--Al
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Post by JeffOver on May 22, 2006 8:06:49 GMT -8
Hi Al! I wrote a reply a few days ago but then I lost my connection before I could post it  . Anyway, I'd say by all means put up a niger feeder. I don't know your approximate location but I think a niger feeder would catch the eye of a flying goldfinch. I have goldfinches all summer long, from mid-March to late September/early October. It's worth a try anyway. Definitely adds colour to the yard!  Hope that helps! -Jeff |
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Post by fouram on Sept 19, 2006 16:45:03 GMT -8
I am now on the "ground floor" ;D and therefore have free license to go ahead and put up as many feeders as I want (with reason, as well as the amount of space as a parameter) so I have all of my feeders up and have the residents back--Purple/House finches, sparrows (of course!) and the resident chickadees as well as today spotted the first Juncos of the season --for me--hope to bring more birds in--will post anything new--Al
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Post by Gord on Sept 20, 2006 8:41:51 GMT -8
Right on!! Nice to have more freedom and the ground floor should attract even more to your feeders!
Look forward to hearing how the winter goes.
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Post by fouram on Oct 14, 2006 12:08:10 GMT -8
Kind of a new thread here--Re: behaviour around the feeder, I guess. To-day watched the Junco's doing the "two step" to "shake" seed out of the grass, short duff around the patio that I have --(now on the ground floor) nothing new there, but then saw one of my "resident" finches put the run on the Junco and then take over doing the "cha-cha" in the same area for the same results! Never knew, or suspected that this type of behaviour was "cross-referenced"?--but then, why not?  --was so rather funny to watch the inter-reaction! |
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Post by Gord on Oct 15, 2006 13:47:16 GMT -8
Great observation Al!
I dont think Ive ever seen a finch scratching for seeds and so forth. Common in sparrows, towhees and juncos so maybe the finch did learn by watching. In my years interacting with pet birds and wildlife, I think they have a little more capability then most persons might give them.
A worthwhile behaviour observation to record with details, pictures and video if you have the opportunity.
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Post by fouram on Oct 15, 2006 17:17:22 GMT -8
I am beginning to take the time to at least (for now) write these observations down, if nothing more than for my own enjoyment, when time permits --hopefully soon, I will be more " scientific" in my observations--Al
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Post by fouram on Nov 17, 2006 12:01:34 GMT -8
4 or more juvenile goldfinches at the niger feeder to-day? I believe that is what they are as all of the proper markings are there except for the yellow breasts, sorry no pictures as of yet, I would certainly post if I could--Al
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Post by fouram on Nov 17, 2006 14:41:46 GMT -8
Tmanson, I read your post after I made mine, so I guess that the goldfinches hereabouts are not that exciting, however, after looking all summer, (after I hung up the niger feeder) and the only visitors I had were the finches, it was quite exciting for me. I know I am "out of the mainstream" as far as the areas where large quantities and varieties are to be found, but once again--it was exciting for me!--Al
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. Anyway, I'd say by all means put up a niger feeder. I don't know your approximate location but I think a niger feeder would catch the eye of a flying goldfinch. I have goldfinches all summer long, from mid-March to late September/early October. It's worth a try anyway. Definitely adds colour to the yard! 
Hope that helps!
--was so rather funny to watch the inter-reaction!