Date: 03/10/2017

Number: 1

After reading your article about Robins not
coming to bird feeders I STRONGLY disagree. I’ve been in the
avian field now for the better part of 25 yrs. I’ve had the
privilege of working with everything from Finches to Birds
of Prey and Budgies to Macaws. And my winter Robins are
quite readily at my feeders every winter eating my seed.
Sometimes even fighting over it...!!! I’ve had at max 5
Robins at my bird feeder at once. 


There have been no insects in with the seed that I’m aware of as I’ve looked. However, the mix that I’ve been using with the best success over many years now is Wagners premium blend called greatest variety. Here is a list of the ingredients; Black Oil Sunflower Seed, Black Striped Sunflower Seed, White Oil Sunflower Seed and Hulled Sunflower Seed represent over 40% of the mix.White Proso Millet and Finch Millet are 15% of this special mix.The balance of the mix includes: Peanut Pieces and Peanut Hearts. Safflower Seed is a favorite cardinal food. Thistle Seed Canary Seed, Flax Seed, Canola Seed, Grain Sorghum, and Cracked Corn are included; a small percentage of Oyster Shell which provides needed calcium and helps to satisfy the need for grit in bird diets. Natural berry and fruit flavors plus added vitamins are blended in. 

Now I believe that there going after the peanut pieces which are high in fat content and needed for the winter months. And also the hulled sunflower since there beaks aren't "conical shaped" in order to crack open unhulled sunflower. Although I have seen a few eating unhulled sunflower pieces WHOLE...!!! What's most interesting is I have a 4 cage designed suet feeder that holds obviously 4 suet cakes. And they want NOTHING to do with it...!!! I would have thought that would be the main attractant for them. However, Robin's feet aren't made for griping and holding the cage for long periods. Such as Woodpeckers which have "zygodactyl feet" and are perfectly suited for this situation. As far as pics i'll have to send some along when I have the time. But you can believe me when I say 5 Robins fighting over my bird feeder and even chasing Blue Jays from it is quite insane. I’ve also had Pine Warblers this year which I don't often get a White-Throated Sparrow which is very rare for me and a Carolina Wren. And for the record I live in Massachusetts here on Cape Cod. 

Barnstable, MA

Latitude: 41.7 Longitude: -70.3

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