[Tvflguy]

We have a nice bird feeder out front and a triple/decker birdhouse in the back. Love birds.

On a typical day we see a bunch of different birds at the feeder, and need to refill about every other day. The birdhouse has had 3 broods since early Spring. 2 chicks each in each of the 3 “apartments”. They all of course flew the coop. Little sparrow-like birds. The feeder attracts all types.

But for the last 10 days or so no action at all. No little birds going to the house, and I have seen NO birds at our feeder. And very few birds flying around at all.

Is it the heat or time of year??? Where are the birds?

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by Tvflguy

We have a nice bird feeder out front and a triple/decker birdhouse in the back. Love birds.

On a typical day we see a bunch of different birds at the feeder, and need to refill about every other day. The birdhouse has had 3 broods since early Spring. 2 chicks each in each of the 3 “apartments”. They all of course flew the coop. Little sparrow-like birds. The feeder attracts all types.

But for the last 10 days or so no action at all. No little birds going to the house, and I have seen NO birds at our feeder. And very few birds flying around at all.

Is it the heat or time of year??? Where are the birds?

Food chain at work. Bird feeders draw in birds which draw in critters that feed on birds. When the birds disappear, it’s usually because they sense a lurking hawk, bobcat, or other critter looking to have them for a snack.

[pacjag]

Your feeders will also attract mice and rats, which will then attract snakes and coyotes. Be aware.

[vintageogauge]

No need to feed the little birds they have plenty to eat and by doing so you turn them into food for the birds of prey sitting up in a tree waiting for an easy meal when they come to your feeder. And yes there are rodents eating the bird food and snakes eating the rodents.

[Tvflguy]

Originally Posted by pacjag

Your feeders will also attract mice and rats, which will then attract snakes and coyotes. Be aware.

Not here at all. Had feeders since moving here 8 years ago. Never had any of these issues. Always attracted so many bird varieties. For done reason few visits in the last ten days or so.

[MartinSE]

Isn't it rich?
Are we a pair?
Me here at last on the ground
You in mid-air
Send in the birds

Isn't it bliss?
Don't you approve?
One who keeps tearing around
One who can't move
Where are the birds?
Send in the birds...

[Michael G.]

Been feeding the birds for many years without any rodents.

We also use common sense (if there is any now days) to keep feeders away from the house.
Don't use "tray" bird feeders, use the "tube" feeders and only feed them small black sunflower seeds.
Mixed blends of bird seed are expensive and not all birds like the mix blends.

We also have a bird bath that we clean often.
We also have blue bird houses and feed them meal worms when there nesting.

Enjoy your birds

[vintageogauge]

Originally Posted by Tvflguy

Not here at all. Had feeders since moving here 8 years ago. Never had any of these issues. Always attracted so many bird varieties. For done reason few visits in the last ten days or so.

You have them now.

[Michael G.]

Did anyone read where it is against the law to feed the wildlife including birds in Florida?

I don't mean the ones that hang out at the square..........

[MartinSE]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

Did anyone read where it is against the law to feed the wildlife including birds in Florida?

I don't mean the ones that hang out at the square..........

It is illegal in Florida to feed SOME birds. Mostly those that are protected species because feeding can disrupt migration patterns. It is illegal to feed MOST wildlife in Florida. It is recommended if you have a bird feeder to clean it regularly.

"Feeders

Bird feeders may aid in the spread of disease among different species of birds. For this reason, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recommends scrubbing all bird feeders twice a month with a solution containing one part bleach to 10 parts water. If the feeders begin to attract bears or sandhill cranes, residents must stop feeding until these animals stop coming to the location."

[thevillages2013]

[QUOTE=Tvflguy;2116099]We have a nice bird feeder out front and a triple/decker birdhouse in the back. Love birds.

On a typical day we see a bunch of different birds at the feeder, and need to refill about every other day. The birdhouse has had 3 broods since early Spring. 2 chicks each in each of the 3 “apartments”. They all of course flew the coop. Little sparrow-like birds. The feeder attracts all types.

But for the last 10 days or so no action at all. No little birds going to the house, and I have seen NO birds at our feeder. And very few birds flying around at all.
They are at my house eating the berries off the podocarpus in the back yard

[bobeaston]

MIGRATION time! During the hottest part of the summer, many birds leave. We noticed dwindling numbers of ever-present mocking bird songs about this time last summer. They were back about Valentine's Day.

Maybe they're vacationing in the Canary islands?

[Rwirish]

Please do not feed the wildlife.

[bowlingal]

Black birds leave here around the middle of June and come back about December. I have also noticed a lack of birds lately and was curious. My bird feeder which needs to be filled 2x a day in the winter, now goes days without having to be refilled. I take it in at night and surprise....no mice!!

[eddiekessler]

Does anyone have martin houses in The Villages? Do they live here? They keep your place free from mosquitos.