The recent severe weather has brought wild birds into the yard that we do not nomally see. These have included blackbirds and thrushes that are ground feeders and will not feed from a hanging feeder.
Before Christmas I bought a ground feeder tray that is composed of a wooden frame holding a wire mesh sheet. The food is placed in the wire mesh allowing any rain or snow to drain through keeping the food dry. The frame is held off the ground on 3" legs so unless the snow is deep will keep the food available for the birds. I am feeding a general seed mix, suet pellets and dried mixed fruit that blackbirds especially love.
My yard is only 5 x 5 metres and enclosed by high walls but by creating the right enviroment, not cutting down grasses and perennial plants in winter, and providing the right bird food I have created my own mini nature reserve.
