Feeding Our Garden Birds Is Bringing About Evolutionary Change. Did You Know That?

[ladybirder]

If, like me, you thought evolution took aeons then think again. I read that because we put out food all year, some Blackcaps are staying here through the winter instead of flying to the med. So the group that stays here has developed rounder wings which provide better manoeuvrability and they have also developed longer narrower bills better suited to eating from a seed feeder. Whereas the group that still fly to the med have longer more pointed wings needed for migration and shorter bills. This change has happened rapidly by evolutionary standards and eventually we might see two distinct species. So evolution in action, in our gardens. Big Up for all the feeders of birds here on AB.

And if you already knew this then forgive me but I was really chuffed when I read it;-)

[CupBuster]

Thank you, ladybirder! It was my wife’s idea. )))

[frugalfred]

Problem is, Togo, I have a fine Kentish cob-nut bush which fruits heavily in the Autumn. I find nut-stores all over the place. Obviously this attracts our furry friends, but depletes my devouring of said nuts!

[ladybirder]

Togo, my Green WP used to feed only on the ground but does now sometimes feed on the fat feeder - so maybe more evolution in the making:-))

[ladybirder]

LOL CP, I see.

[Togo]

They strip the Hazlenut trees out the back here as well fred. But before they are fit for us to harvest, then dig holes in the ruddy lawn to store them. Poor dog of ours goes nuts herself when they are about.

[frugalfred]

Slightly off topic - last year (2014-5) I put out niger seed for the goldfinches.
This year I introduced sunflower hearts as well as putting out niger. Now the goldfinches ignore totally the niger and really rip into the sunflower hearts!

[Togo]

The Goldfinches only visit rarely, but in late summer there is a spot quite close to where we live that is a virtual field of thistles. When they have gone to seed you can see literally hundreds of the Goldies in a feeding frenzy there in late afternoon.

[frugalfred]

They love teasels, too! I live in an ex-textile-producing area, and teasels were widely planted to "full" (raise the nap of) the cloth (hence "Fuller's Teasel). Over the years the teasels have self-seeded and are a great favourite in Autumn for the goldfinches.

[ladybirder]

You might find this survey by the BTO interesting. It is a survey of 250 householders who have been feeding birds during the winter starting in 1970.
So in 1970 only 1% of gardens were visited by Goldfinches and just look at the figure for 2014/15. I find these figures uplifting (except for the magpie).

1970s 2014/15
Goldfinch 1% 84%
Woodpigeon 5% 87%
Magpie 12% 79%
Nuthatch 9% 30%
Great Spotted Woodpecker 7% 60%
Sparrow-hawk 1% 52%
Long-tailed Tit 3% 69%
Siskin 2% 22%
Bullfinch 4% 25%
Jackdaw 13% 57%
Wren 8% 48%

[viv41]

I have a beautiful pair of yellow wagtails and last year they brought their baby, hope they do the same this year.

[Tilly2]

Ladybirder, it's good to see you back again.☺

I have just placed an online order for 30 Kg of Sunflower hearts and 20Kg of
Premium mixed bird seed. I don't bother with the niger seed any more the gold finches ignore it and eat the sunflower hearts instead.

[viv41]

All the birds I feed go mad for the freeze dried worms I can't keep up !

[ladybirder]

Yellow Wagtail babies - how lovely for you Viv. Are there two different types of dried mealworms. dried and/or freeze dried? I buy live ones 500g at a time once the babies are about as they have moisture in them and are therefore great for the nestlings.
Never had Redpolls to a feeder db. Are you in the countryside?
Thank you Tilly, good to be back. I also buy sunflower hearts in bulk, just about all the birds seem to like them Certainly my Goldfinches prefer them to Nyger seed.

[viv41]

Hi lb, I buy the freeze dried ones. Yes, the yellow wagtail 'baby' was a beaut !

[ladybirder]

Togo just got round to reading the links you posted yesterday. Very interesting. thank you.
Divebuddy, I'm so jealous, it sounds idyllic. If you don't mind saying, whereabouts are you? Just the county will do:-))
How lovely Viv, you must let us know what happens this year.

[ladybirder]

Ah OK, thanks, not a county a know that well. A Kingfisher! Now you're pushing it;-))