How do they know?

[Snappy]

My mam and i bought some new wild bird foods for the garden and we got a feeder of thistle seeds (which we'd never bought before) It said it would attract birds certain birds, different to what we'd seen in the past. Earlier we there was a coal tit on the feeder, which has never, that i know of been in my garden. How do they know to come to my garden where this kind of seed is?

[ursula62]

I've been wondering that myself.

I bought some bird feeders about 8 weeks ago. Apart from the sparrows that live in next door's hedge I wasn't expecting any visitors. But I've seen all sorts of birds visit, especially now we have a bird bath as well.

I was wondering if they tell other birds, or maybe they can smell the seeds?

[burnhal]

They are very likely passing through all of the time on the lookout for food or to other known food sites, but never stopped as there was nothing to stop for. Now there is a reason to stop. And feeding activity is seen by other birds who will come and investigate

[Robinia]

It's lovely isn't it?  I think they have special food spotters (they'll be the ones in the anoraks) who call in to head office when they find something suitably tasty.  Try black sunflowers in a separate  feeder, they attract lots of finches.

[ursula62]

The RSPB sunflower hearts are going down a treat - and the great thing is there's no mess because they are already dehusked.

[burnhal]

always worth having one with Nijer Seed as well- goldfinches go mental over it

[lozzzz]

upgraded my bird feeder from simple table to all kinds of stuff..had loads of birds before and in the last month since only one tatty blue tit! ungrateful little *******..