Tips on how to attract Bullfinches? (1 Viewer)

[songbird6666]

Title says it all really. I have successfully managed to get siskins and goldfinches by planting the right things, and feeding the right things (presumably) So it's two down, one to go. My other favourite bird is sadly absent. Why won't they come to my garden? Or are they just so rare in this area, or do they find enough food in the woodland nearby? I have seen one pair last summer in woods about quarter of a mile away, but never here. I provide virtually every type of food and feeder, so should I just resign myself to a bullfinch-free zone? :h?:

 

[bristolbirder]

Do you use seed trays on your feeders? "My" Bullfinches prefer to feed from these rather than on the feeder perches. Just a thought.

Steve

 

[songbird6666]

Do you use seed trays on your feeders? "My" Bullfinches prefer to feed from these rather than on the feeder perches. Just a thought.

Steve

I have only fairly recently affixed plastic trays to the bottom of the sunflower feeders, to try and stop some of the slimy black mess on the grass! So maybe if I wait a while ......

 

[Mary]

I agree with Steve, they seem to prefer a tray type feeder, but will use the 'perch' type-see below. I only feed sunflower hearts and niger, and they eat both. We have the remains of old orchards not far away, so they were probably quite numerous here at one time. If you have fairly dense scrub vegetation nearby, I reckon they will visit you. Hope so!

 

[helenol]

We have dense vegetation in the garden, have a pair plus juv bullfinch on a regular basis, but have never seen them at the feeders. Only thing they use is the birdbath.

 

[Mary Evelyn]

Hi Songbird,
We,for the first time have had a pair of Bullfinches coming to the table and they are eating Blacksunflower and Nyger seeds.
However,I can not seem to get the Golfinches to visit apart from the winter months, and like you I have tried everything. B
I won't give up if you don't

 

[pauco]

They feed very happily on the ground, and enjoy white sunflower hearts, best to date 3 males, 2 females, 2 juv's. They have been coming to the garden for the last 2 years.

 

[songbird6666]

I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed then. I have all the right foods, and the dense vegetation both in the garden and nearby. Perhaps they are just not in this area.

 

[Zulu Merula]

I'd love to just see Bullfinches in my area- I saw one once years ago. They seem to be sadly absent around here. I'd be overjoyed if they were ever in my garden, so I can definitely understand why you want to attract them songbird! Well done getting the siskins and the goldfinches! I've only ever seen siskins abroad before. :0)