Thanks Monika - I'll look out for the niger seed and feeders.
It is such a joy to see the different birds.

Our pheasant is still coming regularly and is quite tame now.

When he came this morning, there were no sunflower seeds out and as I went outside with some, he was heading towards our back door.

There is no sign of a mate as yet, but he is getting very handsome in preparation, with a brightly coloured yellow beak, brilliant plumage, and he has developed some enchanting black tufts just above his ears.

Must keep a look out for him tomorrow and take his picture to post.

We have had to stop feeding the birds for a while, I will see if I can get a picture of our garden on here, if so behind the tree is a pond I see the kingfisher there, people will keep leaving bread on the grass for the ducks this is attracting rats, the council as put posion down and asked us not to feed the birds for a while.

Blooming rats get everywhere dont they?

Our pheasant (called it 'ours', but not strictly true of course) hasn't been for about a week now but, these last few days, we have heard it. The call is always coming from the same direction, which is an area to the back of us with loads of bungalows.

He was very tame and we think some-one has captured him and is keeping him locked up in their garden.

Problem is that it doesn't bode well for a long and happy life. I wish people would just let nature alone and, if they do eat him, I sincerely hope they are sick as pigs.

Anyone put coconuts out for birds. I buy a huge bin of peanuts and ditto of seeds for the birds I get every day. For Christmas I thought they would like a treat so bought a coconut, split it and hung it in the apple tree. Not one has touched it and I wondered why. Any ideas?. cheers Penny

Did you soak in Malibu first?

Thanks Monsy, never thought of that, must try it. cheers Penny.

I have put fat and seeds in coconut shells, hung them out, they love that. Minus the coconut though.