The BEST Food for Attracting Birds to Your Garden

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3 жыл бұрын

Gardening for Wildlife - In this video we look at the three BEST foods for attracting birds to your garden to help birds survive through winter.
For the BEST seed mix to feed the birds in your garden, try our specifically tailored bird seed mix👇
wildyourgarden.com/product/wi...
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Many thanks,
Joel Ashton
#FeedingBirds #BirdFood #GardenBirds #WhatToFeedBirds #BirdFeeders #HowToFeedBirds #HowToAttractBirdsToYourGarden #WildlifeGardening #Garden #WinterBirdFood #BirdSeed #Peanuts #FatBalls #NigerSeed #SunflowerHearts #WildBirds #Redwing #Fieldfare #Woodpigeon #AttractingBirdsToYourGarden #NaturalBirdFood #Birds #Holly #HollyBerries #BlueTit #GreatTit #GreenFinch #HouseSparrow #Starling #FeedingStarlings

Пікірлер: 481

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 2 жыл бұрын

For anyone looking for the best seed mix for feeders and ground feeding, check out the unique mix we have on the Wild Your Garden website. It caters for all the birds visiting your garden. Link here: 👇 wildyourgarden.com/product/wild-your-garden-bird-seed-mix/

@yanrun5283 2 жыл бұрын

Please subtitel indonesia

@johnlawrence2757 Жыл бұрын

Don’t put bird food out in your garden if there are cats in your neighbourhood ! Not even in hung boxes - cats can climb anything

@MrDaiseymay Жыл бұрын

@@johnlawrence2757 NOT SO---SEE ANTI SQUIREL FEEDERS

@johnlawrence2757 Жыл бұрын

@@MrDaiseymay cats kill millions of birds every year and mostly in areas where food is set out. Birds hang around these areas, they don’t just fly in to feeders then fly out again. I think a lot of people put the food out with the deliberate intention of attracting prey for their precious little darlings

@judithmoore9174 5 ай бұрын

Judith Moore I love the fact that you care about every species. Every bird and other mammals, as squirrels, all need food, and I love them all, I hate it when people discriminate against certain visitors. So Thank you for helping them all.

@mandyyapp6533 Жыл бұрын

The one thing that needs to be said is the birds need water too, especially when it’s all iced over! so a fresh water source is always a good idea too when feeding them. 😊 Thanks for the feed information too 👍🏼💙🐾❤

@saltlifegull4091 Жыл бұрын

How totally precious a huge, gorgeous man cares for the birds. Touches my heart. Great tips and I'm on it, Joel:)

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Жыл бұрын

Thank you! 😊 Just happy to do my bit. Your comment made my weekend! 😁👍

@9parasqn656 Жыл бұрын

Really good, thank you. Enjoyed that. I have just one point; I think birds should be fed all year round, not just winter. Our variable weather can make it hard for birds any time of the year, especially spring. This is when an abundant supply of food is essential for breeding. If we have a wet or cold Spring, caterpillars become hard to find and huge numbers of nestlings will starve. Every Spring I actually supplement with live mealworms and have had Robins land on my hand to get them. It's wonderful.

@georgebarnes8163 Жыл бұрын

Random scattering of food is fine but any form of bird feeder is not good at this present time as feeders will encourage the spread of avian flu, communal feeding is a big no no.

@87crlucas 5 ай бұрын

I agree with you. I think they should be fed year around. However, in NH we have to worry about the bears in spring/summer.

@cherfromtn8225 4 ай бұрын

@@georgebarnes8163You need to watch the news in your area. You should not put out feeders if you also raise poultry. The Avian flu can be a big deal in domestic birds like chickens. The fear is that the flu will then spread to wild birds. There has been some spread, I know. In my area, it has not been documented. Avian flu is not present in all areas. Your agriculture and wildlife agencies should be monitoring this. There is also another infectious disease that birds can spread at feeders, so if you see a sick bird, you need to take the feeders down and cease feeding for several weeks. That bird will die within that time and will have moved elsewhere. This is a different disease than Avian flu. In 20 years of feeding birds, I have seen 2 of these birds, at two different times. I took down the feeders, cleaned them well, and did not put them back up for several weeks. I did not see any disease spread to other birds at either times.

@racheldoesacrylic4089 5 ай бұрын

So many people don't want the mess of feeding birds which is so sad because they would miss them if we did not take care of them, after our lovely cat passed i started to feed the birds in our garden ,i seen blue tits ,robins ,magpie ,parrots, pigeons ,wrens, sparrows and a few i have no idea what they are called yet / also bought binoculars to identify what's coming to feed , its taken away alot of the sadness of missing the cat ,so now have a café of a tree with different food for our feathered brethren /Thanks for vid very informative x ps and have a gang of squirrels that fight to get at the feeders but i put out food for them also xx

@kathrynhall7021 6 ай бұрын

I also use dry oatmeal...birds n squirrels LOVE it, and it's nutritious.

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 6 ай бұрын

Yes Kathryn! Blackbirds, Robins and Starlings can't resist oatmeal :) Thanks for thinking of the birds, particularly at this time of year. Best wishes, Joel

@johnburton2534 4 ай бұрын

My birds insist on oats stirred into sunflower oil.

@Mrs.TJTaylor 2 ай бұрын

I thought I was crazy and I didn’t want to mention oats! But they really love them and it’s inexpensive for an old lady on a pension.

@ronpennington2092 2 жыл бұрын

Sunflower hearts seem to be the best here in Indiana but are very expensive. Around 17 dollars for a 8 lb. Bag. Right now I'm feeding two bags a week and continually have 50 to 100 gold finches at the feeders all day long.

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 2 жыл бұрын

How wonderful Ron - not the prices, but the visitors! They're expensive here too so I really appreciate you considering these desperate birds - no need to say whether you're rewarded for your efforts :) Hope you enjoy the rest of the channel too - best wishes - Joel

@debralittle2426 Жыл бұрын

I found them on Chewy for 11.99 just recently.

@eileencroft7247 Жыл бұрын

How lucky are you Ron, I bet they look wonderful...🌻🐦

@lllowkee6533 Жыл бұрын

Me too. Very expensive but I can’t turn them down! Back to Farm store tomorrow.

@Ihfmpw8 Жыл бұрын

It’s expensive to feed the little guys,but we’ll worth it xx

@emilysandstrom2476 Жыл бұрын

I feed hulled sunflower seeds. Everybody loves them, and there's no mess. Millet is waste and so is another small round seed in the usual mixes. (Feeding doves on the ground draws all the neighborhood bad cats, though.

@arlenebowers326 11 ай бұрын

We put a mix of different type seeds on our porch railings year round. There is always a myriad of different birds feeding. I also put 2 hummingbird feeders out for the little guys and girls.

@bradjensen4927 Жыл бұрын

Here in the US, we despise Starlings, which are an introduced species - noisy pests that bully other species and deplete the food very rapidly.

@astragreen 3 ай бұрын

What a terrific fellow everyone who can should follow his example and try an look out for the little birds especially in winter!

@linlauer1247 Жыл бұрын

SUPER! THANKS, GUY!!!

@InFltSvc Жыл бұрын

Great info ! Thank you !

@dianedarling9639 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Joel,very informative video. I love feeding our fine feathered friends🪶

@mdsahir3156 3 жыл бұрын

Wow gorgeous place and snow

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Md - snow is always good at making everything peaceful and beautiful, it is just when it thaws that it makes things look worse! ;) It's a harsh time for birds and animals so I hope people try to help them through - we don't get much snow here in England thankfully. Hope you are well and safe, take good care - Joel

@Readingandgardening 2 жыл бұрын

hi Joel, I discovered your channel a couple of weeks ago and I’m watching all your videos. I’ve bought lots of plants you’ve suggested and can’t wait to add them to my garden this year. I have a small front and back garden. Among the plants and shrubs, I have 7 buddleija in my front garden and 6 in the back garden. I planted them all during the first lockdown. I’m planning on making a container wildlife pond after watching your videos. Last year in the back garden we watched a magpie taking bread from our lawn and taking it to the bird bath to dip it in and get it wet, then fly off to eat it on top of our shed. It was great to watch. Thanks for your fantastic channel, it’s very inspiring.

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Liz - thank you so much, your words and support mean a lot and it ensures that making these videos is worthwhile - I am so pleased that they're helping people to improve where they're already helping wildlife and encourage those that are just starting out. Your garden sounds absolutely wonderful, and you are being rewarded for your efforts :) Best wishes, and thanks again, Joel

@topicsandopinions5818 Жыл бұрын

Live and let live!!!

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Жыл бұрын

Absolutely :)

@lynnrushton7458 3 жыл бұрын

Sirius is absolutely beautiful 💜😍 thanks for putting me onto this video Joel, we recently ‘acquired ‘ a flock / charm of goldfinch I got so excited lol 😂🙈 the Nyger seed brought them in here ( probably spelt that wrong) haha! Good on you for rescuing your lovely boy!

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Lynn, he's a very handsome chap and has come on leaps and bounds (literally!) since his rescue 8 years ago now, I try to spend as much time as I can with him :) Yes, Nyger seed - mine will use the Nyger when the other sunflower heart feeder is already occupied and if it runs out, but I think they have adapted to prefer the sunflower hearts, although boy are they messy eaters! The Robins and Blackbirds, Pigeons etc don't mind as they soon hoover them up. The Goldfinches are such beautiful birds and have definitely adapted and succeeded in making the use of garden feeders - best wishes, Joel

@debslifesimplified6406 Жыл бұрын

Exactly the same foods I offer minus the thistle. Thanks for the info.

@MelgaardBosch Жыл бұрын

over the past week or so i have noticed a group of 8-9 gold finches on my tube feeders, very exciting :) great video. greetings from Denmark.

@SmokyMountainBlessed Жыл бұрын

👍🏼 thanks for the tips

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Жыл бұрын

You're very welcome :) Best wishes to you both - Joel

@silviomastroianni8500 10 ай бұрын

HELLO 👋 JOEL . . HOW ARE YOU TODAY ??? LISTEN , MY NAME IS SILVIO , I ‘M FROM ARGENTINA , AND I ‘D LIKE TO SAY , FIRST OF ALL , THAT I JUST LOVE YOUR MARVELOUS PROGRAM ; THERE AREN ‘T TOO MANY AROUND LIKE YOURS !!!! ALL I CAN ADD IS THAT , SINCE SOME OF THIS FOOD FOR BIRDS 🦅 ARE QUITE EXPENSIVE, I DID SOME RESEARCH AND I DECIDE NOT USE ANY FEEDER NO MORE BUT , TO STREW IT BY HAND AS IF I WERE FEEDING THE CHICKENS AND I WOULD USE JUST FOOD LEFTOVERS SUCH , FOR INSTANCE , CHOPPED BREAD CRUMBS, SOME GROUND CEREALS OR G R A N O L A WHICH I FOUND TO BE VERY EFFECTIVE FOR THE PURPOSE , CANOLA SEEDS , WHEET , MILLET AND CRANBERRIES, AS WELL ! THANKS 🙏 SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE BIRDS 🦅 OR MOTHER NATURE , ALRIGHT ? B E W E L L !

@Patty-qd1lz 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, I really enjoyed your video.

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 2 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome Patty - really appreciate your support and I'm glad it was helpful to you - best wishes to you and yours - Joel

@FredaFlynn2008 Жыл бұрын

I had three malamutes and they’re wonderful digs. Your boys cross is a particular favourite of mine. 💙

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Жыл бұрын

That's a handful Freda! They certainly are wonderful though, Sirius is nearly 15 now, getting about slowly but he's still enjoying life :) Best wishes, and thank you for subscribing, it really helps - Joel

@mbahcarrier1629 9 ай бұрын

Javanese culture in Indonesia understands that if we are friends with nature then nature will give us a lot of goodness, success for "Wild .............." ....Java Central, Indonesia, watch this video

@drsyn9616 Жыл бұрын

The Goldfinch’s love the sunflower hearts and so do Grey Squirrels.

@jamestyrer6067 2 жыл бұрын

Very informative video. Thanks

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you James, you're very welcome :) Hope you find the channel helpful, there's lots here to help widlife in your own green space - best wishes and thanks for taking the time to leave a positive comment :) Joel

@michaelcoghlan9124 Жыл бұрын

Thanks.. all the best.

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Жыл бұрын

Thank you Michael, I appreciate your kind comment - all the best to you and yours for 2023 - Joel

@elizabethloera2139 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!!

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 2 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome Elizabeth :) I hope you enjoy the rest of the channel too - best wishes, Joel

@wildstaunton Жыл бұрын

Really interesting! Great video!

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Жыл бұрын

Thank you, I really appreciate you taking the time to leave such an encouraging comment, it helps! :) Best wishes - Joel

@williamtaylor2412 Жыл бұрын

LOVE IT

@Cheere 5 ай бұрын

Lovely

@friendlymonkey2003 3 ай бұрын

Thank you Joel 👍🏻😃

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 3 ай бұрын

My pleasure!

@jackdantzler2305 7 ай бұрын

I really enjoyed the video

@deelanders3675 Жыл бұрын

Nice video👍🏼 - one thing I did learn through research this year is that shelled nuts and seeds are too difficult for birds to open once they get wet.. however I guess the squirrels could always eat them if the birds can’t 😂

@williamtaylor2412 2 жыл бұрын

THANK YOU

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome William - thank you for your support :)

@rmcddanna2698 3 жыл бұрын

That's great. I envy you for interacting with animals.

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 3 жыл бұрын

It takes a while for the birds to get used to new feeders - I envy the scenery in the driving you do! ;) Stay safe where you are, and thank you for the support - best wishes, Joel

@rolandbrooks467 Жыл бұрын

I've been feeding the birds in my garden for years and never even thought of Sunflower hearts,, looks like another feeder is going up very shortly,, cracking vid Joel 👍👍

@5mini5 Жыл бұрын

Sunflower hearts are absolutely devoured by all birds. I only have one feeder and that’s the only food I provide. They discard a lot of seed from mixed seeds and nyjer is never touched by any bird when I tried not even gold finches.

@sandracairney6007 2 жыл бұрын

Got 2 mesh feeders and a bird house, I just got a property with a beautiful landscaped garden, thanks for the video. I needed some advice to bring the birds back into it again. The property hasn't had a feeder for a year or so. I have to be careful with seagulls, its summer west of Scotland. I have Berry trees, apple tree, pear tree and plum trees.. Lovely legacy garden.

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Sandra - apologies for the delay in acknowledging your comment, just catching up with everyone now - I am so glad this video was helpful to you and I expect you have many bird visitors in the autumn/winter with all those wonderful trees :) Best wishes, Joel

@michaelfeeney8437 Жыл бұрын

Here in the UK, I use those specific nyja seed feeders where only the Finches can access it. I find that the feeders with a certain diameter hole will attract unwanted birds such as Starlings which hover to feed , and which scare off the smaller ones. The other issue is that birds tend to empty the feeder contents onto the ground which then attract Magpies. I then spend time sweeping this up and reusing it.

@dt8ustotten285 2 жыл бұрын

Live in USA Rhode Island. Used sunflower hearts for decades until the last year or so. Why..it was fun for me but now that fungus has been released into the air the feeders ( no matter how clean they were ) were growing fungus. Had MANY finches die over time and develop diseases. I switched to sunflowers with hulls. It took about 6 months for the birds to get used them and recover. The birds take away the whole seed.. it is the squirrels that sit in one place and make a mess. I do need to rake the areas periodically to compost. Have incorporated more SEEDS mixes like milo etc. Lots of good advice in your video.

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 2 жыл бұрын

Hi there, my empathies re the finches, our chaffinches and greenfinches suffered this same fungal disease here in the UK - great idea re leaving the sunflower hearts in the husks when faced with this. Squirrels the same here, one local one destroys the feeders where the openings are to try to get to the seed etc inside :/ Thanks for your comment, it's interesting to hear what is going on in other countries too - best wishes, Joel

@adyfinch2918 5 ай бұрын

Very informative video 😊 Subscribed to your channel 👍

@claireangier3322 Жыл бұрын

I have three hanging feeders tucked into trees as we have sparrow hawks visiting every now and again, also a tray feeder and also just as important fresh water. ❤🇬🇧

@666DW Жыл бұрын

I also have the same problem, unfortunately, it’s nature and all you can do is offer plenty of vegetation, bushes and trees for the birds to hide.

@jimcan9914 Жыл бұрын

I like the variety of birds you get! Along the eastern seaboard of the US, 20 miles inland ...we have found ordering wholesale peanut 'splits (no shells) from North Carolina ~200lbs at a time as the best bang for the buck ...with Black Oil sunflower seeds as co-equal in desirability, but a good deal more expensive. Perhaps the worst expenditure is those multi-mixes. The biggest problem living in the woods are the tree-rats. They drive off birds and hog the feeder. You need to feed on a pole with a predator collar to keep them off; birds naturally share by chucking bits over the side of the platform. Cheers. Jim

@oysterman2517 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the great video. Don't forget oats. Loved by the blackbird and the woodpecker. And if you are in a country that like christmas ham on the table at, well, on christmas eve, take all the fat and give them to the birds. Of course in small pieces. Cheers

@snehagedam6802 3 жыл бұрын

hes cute and good boy....and thanx...yor are doing such good work....and its too helpfull for other people...and specially me 😊😊😊🥰🥰🥰

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 3 жыл бұрын

He cannot resist helping! I am so thrilled that the channel is being of help to you and that you are enjoying it. I do this work to share with others so that there are more and more precious habitats created for all those creatures that need our help now, they cannot survive without food that is found in habitats so we can all do our little bit to make a bigger habitat together :) Stay safe Sneha and thank you so much for your support - he is a good boy when he is kept busy! ;) Best wishes, Joel

@CA-gk1bl 2 жыл бұрын

Great information Joel love the suet feeders. I didn't have good luck with the commercial made suet you buy pre made so I ventured out and came up with my own recipe. 2 cups cornmeal, 2 cups oats, 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar. Melt 1 cup peanut butter and 1 cup suet ( meat fat) in a pan pour dry ingredients in a little at time time. Fill up you suet cage and set in the freezer til harden and serve. And your right lots of species of birds love suet. Great video love my Goldfinch,Jay's, Starlings, Sparrow,and many other bird species in my neck of the woods here in California.

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 2 жыл бұрын

Hi there :) This is great, thanks so much - you're obviously doing the right thing with all those grateful visitors - really appreciate your support - best wishes to you and yours in California - Joel

@toxsickdog Жыл бұрын

80 to 90% of the Corn crops in the USA are toxic genetically modified Corn, In other words TOXIC. & much of It is sprayed with cancer causing Glyphosate herbicide. Chances are you are feeding the birds poison. Good luck finding NON GMO corn meal.

@ladyjane3660 Жыл бұрын

I make my own suet bars. I buy chunks of suet from the grocery store and render them down in my iron skillet or pot. This serves two purposes. It makes a medium for me to include fruit, nuts, seeds, and grain for the birds AND it re-seasons my iron cookware. The woodpeckers devour suet cakes. We get just about every variety of woodpecker visiting, as well as the typical visitors native to south central Michigan, including cardinals, blue jays, nuthatches, chickadees, titmouses, juncos, etc. We also get plenty of those wingless birds more commonly known as squirrels. LOL.

@stellaluv2 Жыл бұрын

Nice and simple presentation, thanks Joel. A 'flock' of Goldfinches is known as a 'Charm of Goldfinches'! Great thanks

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Жыл бұрын

Thank you Les, I really appreciate your kind words and support :) Best wishes to you and yours - Joel

@AMichiganIslander 2 ай бұрын

I hope the sunflower kernels I fave mine where safe. New Bird lady. ❤

@butlerpa100 Жыл бұрын

Grow holly and pyracantha, birds love the berries. My greenfinch, goldfinches just love sunflower hearts, they won’t touch anything else. Starlings and Jays love fat balls. The woodpecker visits occasionally as does the Sparrow Hawk. Chaffinches occasionally visit. Peanuts are taken by the squirrels. Lol. Good work pal.

@cookingandgardeningwithson2765 3 жыл бұрын

Nice shariing and nice information bro

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for the support! :) Hope you and your family are well - best wishes, Joel

@avaogara Жыл бұрын

I feed birds year round I leave up my finch feeder in winter here n I see sparrows land on it . great video n dogvis gorgeous

@johnryle6917 2 жыл бұрын

Nice job

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you John - appreciated :) Best wishes, Joel

@adyfinch2918 Жыл бұрын

😊 Subscribed 👍

@AkustikMastering Жыл бұрын

Goodd,,

@NewMindGarden 3 жыл бұрын

Nice video

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a positive comment, it makes all the difference :) Hope all is good for you in India and you are encouraging people to provide for nature in your beautiful gardens. Best wishes, Joel

@chrisrinelambert9418 Жыл бұрын

The Squirrel’s always reck my bird feeders 🎉 and sunflower hearts are great 👍

@SiAnon Жыл бұрын

I can give you .22 solutions for that lol

@elizabethsantana70 2 ай бұрын

There was a bird on my front yard and she was looking for food and I said to my mom I want to feed the bird but I was going to school and I.

@slashingbison2503 Жыл бұрын

Great info, I always wondered what Brian from Westlife did after.

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Жыл бұрын

First belly-laugh of 2023! Sorry for the delay in acknowledging you, just trying to get through 2 weeks of comments :) Someone else suggested that I was in fact Canello Alvarez, who I'd not heard of until about a year ago! Best wishes to you and yours for 2023 - Joel

@robynmoxham4255 4 ай бұрын

Your dog is beautiful ❤

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 4 ай бұрын

Thank you Robyn ❤ He's 15 in March and although going a little slower than before, he's hanging in and I'm making the most of my time with him. Best wishes, Joel

@robynmoxham4255 4 ай бұрын

Aww! Dogs are the absolute best ❤😊

@raymondhaller8996 Жыл бұрын

Shelled walnuts are loved by Cardinals and Blue Jays!

@rogerhargreaves2272 2 жыл бұрын

I more or less follow exactly what you do Joel. Thanks for sharing. Rog from Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Rog, thank you so much for the support and I am so glad that all these birds are being looked after and helped - best wishes to you and yours, Joel

@rogerhargreaves2272 2 жыл бұрын

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton - thanks Joel. A personal reply means a lot to me. During the lockdowns watching the wild garden birds was amazing entertainment. I have carried on feeding them since. I even have Great Spotted Woodpeckers and they have babies every year; the adults teach their children on the nut feeder. Your amazing too.

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 2 жыл бұрын

@@rogerhargreaves2272 You're very welcome Roger, I do try to acknowledge people's comments when I am notified of them, and it's sometimes difficult to catch up with everyone but I do love to hear what people have to say and especially when they relay about the wildlife in their own gardens - quite envious of your woodpecker chicks, but well-deserved no doubt. I do hope you're enjoying the rest of the channel and that it's helpful - best wishes to you and yours -Joel

@rogerhargreaves2272 2 жыл бұрын

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton - yea, more Woodpecker chicks coming soon I hope. 😀👍

@chriswalford9228 Жыл бұрын

Had loads of tube feeders that just got demolished by squirrels but now have one with stainless steel hole surrounds and perching pegs also bought one to hold sunflower hearts that has tiny feed holes ( approx 4 mm across) which squirrels can't get their teeth into. Both can be found on Amazon. Year before last year 2 goldfinches last year at least 2 dozen also get a woodpecker loves fat balls. Chap is right about putting your feeder near cover, robins in particular will pop out grab one seed and go back in cover to eat it.

@loreneRa Жыл бұрын

Sunflower hearts.

@colinmoyes8432 3 жыл бұрын

I feed all those things but one thing all the birds seem to like is porridge oats. We live in the country but now have hardly any sparrows or starlings compared to 20 years ago when there were 100s. Wonder if their numbers are less everywhere? ☹️ After putting a trail camera by the feeders & noticing the magpies wouldn’t come close & scoff everything, I’m experimenting with different objects. They’re very wary of new things so if you want to deter them a bit & give the smaller ground feeders a chance, that works well. I even glued a couple of googley eyes on a plastic milk bottle & stood it near the food. They really distrusted that 😆 It doesn’t stop them having a little but by the time they convince themselves it’s actually safe, everything else has had a chance to eat. We have 3 gorgeous Jays which are very shy, but it doesn’t bother them at all. Fascinating!

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 3 жыл бұрын

The googley eyes! That made me laugh out loud, I can imagine it! Great recommendation re the oats Colin - sounds like you're determined and I'm sure the effort will pay off :) Best wishes, stay warm and safe - Joel

@jamesclark9347 6 ай бұрын

I raised a Raven, she chose to stay around. I've never caged, clipped or tethered her. Because she is a scavenger anything is food for her. What I have found is meat cooked or raw 8s her favorite. Posted some of our interactions on KZfaq channel if interested!

@ericstrunck3611 Жыл бұрын

Friend to the squirrel

@martinhall60 Жыл бұрын

What a great video, very interesting and informative. I am new to feeding birds and I find it fascinating to watch them. Well done. I shall look forward to the next video. 🙂👍

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Жыл бұрын

Hi Martin, thanks so much, I really appreciate your kind words and support, it makes a difference. It can certainly become addictive when they start to visit and you can watch their behaviour and habits, it also gives a good feeling knowing you are helping them through difficult times due to loss of habitat but also natural food sources too in turn. If you go to the "videos" section on the channel there are lots of helpful videos there but I hope to update the channel regularly, particularly now the days are shorter and I am home sooner :) Enjoy the festivities, best wishes - Joel

@martinhall60 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Joel for your kind words. I am 67 and my son is 33 and Christmas is not a good time for me due to a loss in the family but we keep smiling and we find watching birds gives a sense of calm as well as learning about what birds eat and how they live their life's generally .I need to buy feeders ect so I've got a lot to do. Hope you have a great Christmas and a good and safe new year.l look forward to future videos. Martin. 👍

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Жыл бұрын

@@martinhall60 Sincerely sorry to hear about your loss Martin, I really am. If you ever need any advice at all, or even want to send a few photos of your grateful visitors then always feel free to drop me a line at hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.com, I'd love to hear from you. I'm more than happy to help. Thanks for thinking of those birds and helping them through tough times. Best wishes to you and your son - Joel

@andershilden5577 3 жыл бұрын

I really enjoy feeding the birds. My biggest problem is providing ground cover. The trees and bushes in our newly built garden are still very small. Since we have have at least half a meter of snow, the bushes are at best barely visible. But I guess it will sort itself out in time! :D

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Anders :) I expect you have Redwings in abundance where you are - it is possible to put apples cut in half on the ground or maybe a table, any flat surface above the snow of course. They are attracted to red apples and I have one eye on my kitchen window as I type - there are 4 Redwings and 2 Fieldfares enjoying the Holly, they are looking at the apples but they are not so brave as the Blackbirds yet. It won't be too long before you have lots of visitors - hope you are well, best wishes - Joel

@andershilden5577 3 жыл бұрын

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton I'm afraid all the Fieldfares and it's relatives have migrated to warmer places (UK?). They usually arrive in droves as the snow is melting. I haven't seen any Redwings at all. Our classic apple eating bird would be the Bohemian waxwing.

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 3 жыл бұрын

@@andershilden5577 Yes, they are here! I have never had so many in the garden and am thrilled to see them - they will be leaving soon and making their way back to you. I have seen Cedar Waxwing before but never the Bohemian, I would love to see one as they are such beautiful birds. Next winter I hope the story will be different for you and your ground cover encourages many more birds :) Best wishes, as always - Joel

@yeahbutytho126 Ай бұрын

I had a German shepherd x Elk Hound. A lot like Siri.

@wolfywolf6919 3 жыл бұрын

Wow nice Wolf thankyou for cleaning up other peoples mess on the world

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you SO much and welcome to the channel - I hope it helps people worldwide to ensure they can make space for nature within their gardens, balconies, greenspaces - take good care and best wishes to you! :) Joel

@philh.7100 Жыл бұрын

My goldfinches have switched to sunflower seeds too

@lllowkee6533 Жыл бұрын

I feed sunflower and peanuts too. $$. I’ve noticed cardinals are ground feeders. They will get on feeder when desperate. I have to try to remember to bring in fat balls and peanut butter or raccoons eat it all. I throw out some dry pet for the when it’s cold but not near bird feeders. Thanks for your videos. Love them.

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Жыл бұрын

Hi there, so sorry for the delay in acknowledging you but I'm just trying to catch up with 2 weeks of comments after the Christmas break - however I really enjoyed your comment, it's so nice to know what happens in other countries, particularly those that have Cardinals, such beautiful birds. Best wishes to you and yours for 2023 - Joel

@SereneSoakingSounds 3 жыл бұрын

Aweeee 🐕 so cute ❤️🐦😄 love those bird sounds, how did u mange to get so close to them to film that? They are so beautiful 💖 God bless you and yours

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 3 жыл бұрын

Hello over there! Thank you so much, I used the go-pro tied to the shrub here - they were pretty cautious for a few hours as they're not used to seeing it there and I know birds can be cautious of cameras, as the lens can appear like a predator eye to them. This sure allowed me to see what messy eaters they are though - but the ground feeding birds appreciated it :) Take good care, Joel

@SereneSoakingSounds 3 жыл бұрын

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton that's so true, cameras do looks like eyes, and not something I would have thought of, thanks Joel God bless you!

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 3 жыл бұрын

@@SereneSoakingSounds My pleasure - stay warm where you are - Joel

@klcpca 3 жыл бұрын

Greeting from the USA!! Thanks for all the info!! Your dog is beautiful!! My black lab is such a "bird brain" he loves to eat bird seed (especially sunflower seeds) and peanuts!

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. He certainly is a character - he was rescued from Romania along with another one who's not so keen on the snow, but keen on ANY type of food! I have a rescue from Spain too and he has some Black Lab in him, along with Galgo. Luckily Sirius has the goofiness of a Malamute but the discipline of a GSD when it suits him ;) Hope all is good where you are, take good care - Joel

@sandracairney6007 2 жыл бұрын

Bird balls, I bought some today but I'm looking to make stuff

@saskiaverhulst2302 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for all your information. I love watching it. Since 2 years I have been changing my garden into a wildlife garden. I’ve just bought a small pond that we will dig in. I was wondering don’t you have any trouble with chew birds? I even have a cage around my feeding tubes, but they keep trying. They always come as soon as the small birds are eating. The tube where the fatballs go in, also with a cage around it, well they still empty it within a few days. How do you deal with this? We live in the Netherlands.

@valerieenglish1003 Жыл бұрын

Hallo just butting in for a moment: we had a pond to attract wildlife, and on the summer evenings a whole family of hedgehogs came over a busy road to drink! Sadly the very large adult drowned in our smallish pond because of not having any steps/rocks/ stones to climb over😢! I was so upset as we thought we had done our best to encourage all sorts of wildlife and to provide the beast for them: and so the point being is to think how to keep these animals and birds safe!! 💯

@chrisquirke5235 Жыл бұрын

Starting off here in Dublin any tips food /feedingtroughs anything good vid 2

@boblordylordyhowie Жыл бұрын

No matter what I put out they will go for sunflower hearts first. I have 7 feeders with hearts in them, two peanut feeders and I scatter robin/finch mixed seeds under an 8ft artificial christmas tree, with rebar up the centre for strength, I put in the garden to provide cover during winter. The most Goldfinches I have had at one time was 15 and it is not unusual to have flocks of 50 birds circling awaiting their turn.

@gerardhardy400 Жыл бұрын

brilliant great video loved it I get loads of birds but mainly wood pigeons jackdaws magpies ... I have to tap on the window at times to chase them as I feel sorry for the little ones like bluetits robins sparrows wrens blackbirds etc .

@666DW Жыл бұрын

The purchase of a mesh feeder will stop the bigger birds stealing the food but the likes of blackbirds, robins and sparrows prefer ground feeding.

@joycetunley5258 Жыл бұрын

Similar outlook to the Garden @ rear of this property. As a very enthusiastic nature lover - I've used Fruit Cake ( on its own &/or mixed with Shredded Suet ) also Various fruits especially Overripe Bananas - Robins Seem to be Forever on the want - when There's any Banana available. Occasionally there's been some Currants, Raisins , Sultanas, Almonds left over from baking - that are mixed together ready for when there's a Carpet of SNOW. Other seeds I found attractive to certain birds Mixed Budget Seed, Millet mixed millets &/or Sprays, Fennel Seeds

@apollonia6656 Жыл бұрын

Due to the very cold weather the meatballs become hard so: I smash them up and mix them up with suet pellets. The birds love them. Needless to say,they have seeds and peanuts,too. The squirrels have peanuts in shells and hazelnuts....the magpies are catered for with shell peanuts scattered all over 😊 I melt their frozen bath and they enjoy drinking until frozen again! Love them all.

@apollonia6656 Жыл бұрын

PS:Fatballs not meatballs...Uribe spel!ing😠 Sorry!

@markrowland5393 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Joel. Thanks for this, really good information here. Do you have any problems with rats going after the bird food?

@UkAmphibians 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah I have a problem with this I normally take seed in at a night as I’ve that’s when rats tend to come

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Mark, luckily no problems for me - but that's not to say that they won't be encouraged by this extra food. The best way is to keep the ground under the feeders clear if it is dropped by the birds. Goldfinches as seen in the video are pretty messy eaters, not that the Blackbirds, Robins and Collared Doves mind as they soon clear it up :) The wood pigeons, jays and magpies get through the food on the table as they're now used to the food being there. But, as "UK Amphibians" say above, if a problem occurs then the food can be brought in at night. Hope you're doing ok - best wishes, Joel

@MrC-ov1ht 3 жыл бұрын

Lovely video again. Did you do the big garden bird watch last weekend? I got quite a variety but low numbers. I don’t get any starlings in my garden tho for some reason. And no finches either. Tits, Robins, dunnocks and blackbirds mainly

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much :) I did indeed do the bird watch. Typically the 4 greenfinches I have seen lately didn't show during the count, and no chaffinches for a good while - but good regular numbers of the others and I was chuffed to see the RedWing in the holly yesterday morning. I have a large colony of House Sparrows (circa 30) that are in the old buddleja every day, they go between the neighbour's Wild Privet and the buddleja, around 3-4 Dunnocks always underneath. The starlings showed in good numbers in the tree yesterday, as per the video but that was a rare sighting, I usually get 3-4 down to the feeders now. The goldfinches have certainly increased in numbers but finches in general are still struggling unfortunately. You got a nice count though, by the sound of it :) Hope all is good where you are - take good care, Joel

@MrC-ov1ht 3 жыл бұрын

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton yes I got a good count. Sod’s law 5 minutes after I posted my results I got a pair of robins and only ever had 1 before haha. I also took a picture of my garden on the day to show what it looks like and to compare that against future years when hopefully, with advice from your good self, I should see number increase as I plant better wildlife plants, shrubs and trees.

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 3 жыл бұрын

@@MrC-ov1ht Absolutely chuffed about that! Do send an email when you're ready with the photos etc - I'm happy to help remotely when I can - isn't it typical re the pair of Robins, every time I got the camera out yesterday everything seemed to disappear and I ended up in the kitchen, filming from the window with the window wide open - didn't go down too well with the other residents of this house ;) Take good care - speak soon

@georgesheffield1580 Жыл бұрын

The birds here in north Texas have no problem opening the black oil sunflower seeds . Thisle seeds work very well for the smaller birds .

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this George, it's so good when people interact and give advice, it's what the channel is all about and I really appreciate it. Best wishes to you and yours for 2023 - Joel

@SpareRoomMusic12 2 жыл бұрын

When we put seed feeders out, we find the smaller birds drop quite a few and the pigeons and doves tend to hoover them up so everyone wins!

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely! Nature’s hoovers! 😆👍

@TheMilford99 Жыл бұрын

Used to buy sunflower seeds last year, cost a fortune now.

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Жыл бұрын

They have increased a lot due to the situation in Ukraine unfortunately and the lack of sunflower growing. Let's hope for peace soon, for everyone - best wishes, Joel

@Abangsaury 3 жыл бұрын

Hadir bosku🙏👍👍👍

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 3 жыл бұрын

Haha, brilian :) Semoga berhasil, Joel

@bethtagliarino8553 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this information, and for not forgetting about the squirrels, I have a bit of s problem tho, I’ve become attached to feeding the squirrels and I think they depend on me for food on the winter and also in the spring summer here in NY, I think I’m annoying my neighbors, I have approx. 15 or so that enjoy the nuts and sun flower seeds, should I stop this addicting habit/addiction? Also another question the nuts need to be unsalted?? Thank you for what you do🙏 your dog is absolutely beautiful!!!!

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Жыл бұрын

Hi there Beth, so sorry for the delay. The UK has a very different attitude to the Grey Squirrel, however they didn't just arrive all those years ago without human help and I love reading about people that care about ALL the living things, not just the pretty ones, not just the ones with beautiful song etc. Squirrels will of course eat both eggs and young chicks in nests but any nest boxes can be "proofed" with what we refer to as "chicken wire", it allows birds in and out and squirrels thwarted :) I would always recommend unsalted nuts, just in case. Thank you re Siri, he is 15 soon and the difference in these two/three short years is highlighted by the difference in him in this video. He's enjoying a slow retirement and everything at his own pace now :) Thank you for the encouragement and support too, it makes a huge difference. I hope you find the other videos on the channel helpful. Best wishes, Joel

@davidmcqueen6941 Жыл бұрын

I have spent weeks scaring off grey squirrels from emptying suet balls and sunflower hearts in a couple of days😢

@666DW Жыл бұрын

Try using a sprinkle of chilli flakes in the sunflower hearts, they do not harm birds and purchase a plastic baffle to hang your feeders from which prevent the squirrels getting to your feeders.

@rxlo1015 Жыл бұрын

👍👍👍

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Жыл бұрын

Thank you :)

@donnageorge-henderson5419 3 жыл бұрын

Fantastic ❤️ I put out a Niger feeder with seed and nothing has gone near it, so I will scatter the seed in the Park so as not to waste it. I removed the snow 3x today to expose the seed so the birds can keep feeding. So funny to watch the yellowhammers belly flopping across the snow, bless them ❤️ I think I'll put out a small table to keep food off the ground as noticed a rat on the camera and as you say, ground feeders need their right environment, so hopefully a win-win (especially if I lure in a hedgehog or 2, they can't eat the seed dregs or peanuts and get ill)

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 3 жыл бұрын

You. Have. YELLOWHAMMERS?! Wow, I'm yet to lure those to the garden, think I might pass out if I see one! Yep, same here, constant snow so regular outdoor visits to ensure the food on the table remained exposed and visible. One or two goldfinch use the Nyger but I do wonder if they would use it more if the sunflower hearts weren't there - they're such messy eaters though but they in turn provide extra food for the ground feeding birds underneath :) Hope you get some hedgehogs in Spring - take care out there, stay warm - Joel

@colinmoyes8432 3 жыл бұрын

Donna George-Henderson hi Donna I’ve bought Niger seeds a couple of times. We live near woods & fields & have many bird species but nothing has EVER touched the Niger seeds...on or off the ground. Haven’t got a clue what birds actually like them.....

@donnageorge-henderson5419 3 жыл бұрын

@@colinmoyes8432 hey Colin, it's strange huh, I guess somewhere something will eat them... I will scatter some along the riverbank next time I'm passing 😊

@sylviabaxter265 Жыл бұрын

I stopped feeding birds after being overrun with rats, my neighbours garden is very overgrown plus I have the canal at the bottom of the garden, I have started to feed the birds again as the weather is too cold for them to cope I am amazed how many birds are coming in to feed

@bevclarke4903 Жыл бұрын

I have a problem with rats, who can’t get to actual feeders, but are always around the bottom of the pole searching for bits knocked out by the greedy starlings. Luckily it is just two or three rats that still turn up each day hoping to find something edible on the floor. I feed sunflower hearts, dried mealworms, and soft fat that I buy in a large block and fill tubs with. I have an army of doves that visit every day, and three squirrels that have discovered the feeders. They manage to jump onto the feeding station from a nearby bush. I don’t mind the squirrels, but they are starting to chew around the openings of the feeders.

@michaelfeeney8437 Жыл бұрын

Agree with your comments about the rodent attraction. This is the downside.

@cherfromtn8225 4 ай бұрын

I have had problems with rats and mice in my attic, but I still like feeding birds. I find it helpful to bring in my feeders--all 8 of them--at night. I have a shelf in my storage room with sterilite containers (those clear plastic tubs) that hold the feeders. I also buy seed in bulk and then put it into smaller ziplock bags. These are also put into sterilite tubs so as not to attract rats. I have also found, if you have a real rodent problem, that most rodents don't like the hot-pepper seeds. These are very expensive, but at least your neighbors won't complain as much. My local feed store has these in bulk size. I have two feeder poles placed on opposite sides of the house. One pole has a baffle and no nearby trees, so any kind of seed can go there. (I don't have a huge hawk population.) The other pole is close to my window and house, so that is where I use the hot-pepper seed. Otherwise the squirrels and chipmunks would eat up my bird feed budget in one week.

@etiennebotes 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Joel - would Yellowhammers eat from a feeder too, or do they also prefer a table? Thanks for the videos!

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Etienne, they may eat from a low down tray but not a traditional hanging bird feeder - if you have them in the neighbourhood then do put a ground feeder out, they of course rely on insects for themselves and of course their young, so the bet thing is habitat for insects - but in the ground feeder do try sunflower hearts, wheat, white millet, red millet, niger seed, canary seed etc to entice them - I hope that's helpful - best wishes, Joel

@adcaptandumvulgus4252 6 ай бұрын

I think you need shells just so they can store something in the tree to eat later. Shell preserves/protects...like acorns & no peanuts, try walnuts, almost as cheap but more fats for birds.

@esthermarcen7587 5 ай бұрын

I subscribed, thanks for the info, I normally mix all my seeds together, maybe I should not do it

@BjornFjellstad 3 жыл бұрын

Great video my friend and i love your dog. Thank you for telling me about this channel and I can already see that you have so many great videos here. Excellent information about how to attract birds to my garden. Like125👍

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 3 жыл бұрын

I'm absolutely thrilled you can join us here! I hope you enjoy the channel, there will be regular uploads and if you're free about 3pm (GMT) tomorrow (!) then do join us for the livestream Q&A - I will upload the session to youtube shortly after so no need to be up in the very early hours! Thanks so much for your support, it means a lot and is really appreciated - take good care and stay safe where you are - hug from the dog too! Joel

@BjornFjellstad 3 жыл бұрын

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton You're welcome my friend. That means 2 pm here in Sweden, so I might make it, unless the weather is good and we decide to go somewhere for the day, but anyway - I'll be back to watch some more videos. A big hug for the dog.

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 3 жыл бұрын

@@BjornFjellstad Haha, that will teach me! I assumed from Aussie Reflections you may be in Australia! Much cooler weather where you are though - the Redwings and Fieldfares that are in my garden at the moment will be coming back to see you soon :) Shall I try to get the dog to migrate too? ;) Enjoy tomorrow and stay safe - Joel

@BjornFjellstad 3 жыл бұрын

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Yes that would be lovely if you dog would migrate...lol...i think better not, as you would miss each other too much. You're not too far off regarding Australia. Originally I'm from Norway, but immigrated to Australia in 2000, then in 2018 I moved to Sweden, but will move back to Australia again hopefully at the end of this year, as I don't like snow and cold weather.

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 3 жыл бұрын

Me too - I decided to get up for the sunrise this morning - it was -4, so you won't envy me that! ;) How fascinating, and what wonderful journeys you've had. I am sure Australia will suit you better with the temperatures. Yes, I would definitely miss Siri, he is 10 this year so I am making the most of the time with him :) Stay in touch, wherever you are in the world, and stay safe - best wishes, Joel

@karl662 Жыл бұрын

Sunflower hearts are easily the most popular feed in my yard. Bluebirds come around for the mealy worms, cardinals for the safflower, and 4th feeder is a mix of nuts, etc. could be anything there. Nyjer...I can't even give it away...got a bag of it, but no birds are eating.

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Жыл бұрын

Same here Karl, although I don't have the wonderful Bluebirds in the UK sadly - but although you can see the goldfinch enjoying the Nyjer in this video, it's only because the sunflower ports are already occupied, if they have the choice they'll all go for those :) Best wishes, Joel

@karl662 Жыл бұрын

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thanks for the reply. Bluebirds tend not to come to urban areas, but one day two showed up for the sunflower and I immediately got a meal worm feeder just for them. Two years later and they're still here. They are fearless it seems. They will land a couple feet (.61 m) from me if they see a grub. Maybe my Nyjer is bad. Even when other feeders are empty, the finches won't eat the Nyjer. Thanks for your channel. It's appreciated.

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Жыл бұрын

@@karl662 That's brilliant Karl, what a reward for your efforts :) Years ago it was recommended to feed Nyjer Nyjer and more Nyjer for finches... they've clearly changed their preferences it seems :) Thank you for your support, I'm really grateful. Best wishes, Joel

@Hermitas Жыл бұрын

What’s up with finches not eating thistle/nyjer seed? A couple of years ago, I had a flock devouring it. Now, although it’s a clean feeder with FRESH nyjer seed, I’ve yet to see any goldfinches. Hmm. I don’t want to attract house sparrows at all, but I might try the sunflower hearts until they come back, then try to quickly switch over to nyjer again to avoid house sparrows.

@karl662 Жыл бұрын

@@Hermitas Good to know. I thought it was just my finches. If I only fed sunflower, and nothing else, they'd all be happy.

@pamelacox540 4 ай бұрын

We’re planting native species that serve as food for caterpillars. Unfortunately a lot of the natives we’ve planted have been decimated by deer. Frickity frackin’ deer. I’m looking for sources of live mealworms for the fledglings this spring!