Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Chatting => Chatting on the Plot => Topic started by: logi06 on May 30, 2019, 11:41

Title: Magpie problem
Post by: logi06 on May 30, 2019, 11:41
Please tell me if I am in the incorrect forum.
I have two bird tables, one relatively hidden, one not.
Extreme problems with magpies.
I bought some of those silver whirly things that swing in the wind but think they may be deterring the small birds.
Anyone have any ideas to deter magpies
Thank you
J
Title: Re: Magpie problem
Post by: JayG on May 30, 2019, 15:14
I don't think I've ever seen a magpie manage to land on the perch of hanging bird seed feeders, which may therefore be your best chance of feeding at least some of the small birds rather than trying to defend a bird table against them. You can use dried mealworms as well as various seeds in them to broaden the range of birds which will visit.

I have seen a hanging basket wire frame upturned on a bird table, the idea presumably being that smaller birds can get through the gaps to access the food underneath but larger birds can't.
Didn't have the time to hang around to wait to see how well the idea works in practice though (assuming my presumption is correct.)
Title: Re: Magpie problem
Post by: mrs bouquet on May 31, 2019, 12:09
There are 7 or 8 of them around here.  One in particular, loves to admire himself in one of the garden mirrors, rightly so, they are very handsome.  I have learned to live with them now, and accept nature as I find it.   (well not all of it, but the Magpies get away with it  :D)  Mrs Bouquet