Birds not going near feeder

[TeapotCollection]

We’ve bought a lovely bird feeder and filled the sections with seed, nuts and fat balls but nothing is going near it

Anyone have any idea as to why this might be?

@paganbilly

Can I recommend BTO Garden Birdwatch Unlike the RSPB 1-day garden bird watch, this one operates all the year round

Ooh that looks good, signing up now.

Me too! That looks brilliant!

Having the same problem, OP. In our case I think the reason is that we have a cat, and the neighbours have a very well attended feeder. I spent quite a bit of money on a couple of nice feeders, mealworms and mixed feed. It's been a couple of weeks and not a sausage. I'd resite it to the end of the garden but it'll be a shame not to be able to see the birds at all, if they ever come that is...

It also helps to encourage birds if you put out water for them. You need deep enough bird baths so that they can really get in and splash, but put them out in the open so they feel safe . I have squirrels, cats and foxes using my bird baths , as well as birds. Bees and wasps in the summer too.

Sunflower seeds purchased - blue tits going nuts for them already. Thanks to you all for the great idea!

Hmm, looks like we need sunflower seeds

They started using mine within a day but I placed the feeders in the apple tree where they tend to land anyway. Also lots of hedge cover close by.

I've had lots of tits, finches and sparrows long with pigeons and doves when I put out the seeds. I've put out a variety such as peanuts, fat balls and seeds. This is the first year I've put feeders up, I think the lockdown year has helped me appreciate the wildlife closer to home.

I have got a cat but the feeders are located in a place the birds have good visibility.

Well, we’ve moved it further away from the house but still nothing apart from the odd robin

Haven’t got any sunflower seeds yet though