Attracting long-tailed tits with suet pellets
Long-tailed tits are like little balls of fluff, endearing and cute, but how do you attract them into your garden, read on to find out more.
By Our Gardens Matter
Long-tailed tits are a cute and colourful bird species. With fluffy feathers and long tails, they are a favourite among bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. You need to provide the right food to attract them into your garden. Suet pellets are excellent for attracting long-tailed tits if you use them effectively.
Suet pellets are small bite-sized pieces of bird food made from suet, seeds, and other nutritious ingredients. They are high in fat and protein, making them ideal for birds that need plenty of energy during the colder months. Long-tailed tits are no exception and will happily feast on suet pellets when available.
The first step in attracting long-tailed tits with suet pellets is to choose the right type. There are many different brands and varieties on the market, but it is essential to pick a quality product. Suet pellets that contain dried fruit, mealworms, insects and nyjer seeds are particularly attractive to long-tailed tits.
Once you’ve chosen your suet pellets, it’s time to think about how to present them. Long-tailed tits are acrobatic birds that like to hang upside down and cling to branches, so it’s best to use a specialized feeder that accommodates their feeding behaviour. The mesh peanut feeders I find are the most effective, allowing the birds to peck at the food from different angles.
Position your feeder away from other feeders or bird tables. Long-tailed tits prefer to feed in small groups or pairs and may avoid areas too busy or noisy. Place your suet feeder near vegetation that provides cover.
Finally, remember that suet pellets are not the only food that long-tailed tits eat. These birds have a varied diet that includes insects, spiders, and seeds, so you should provide a range of other foods. Sunflower hearts, peanut granules, and mealworms are all popular choices that attract various bird species to your garden.
In conclusion, suet pellets are an excellent food choice for attracting long-tailed tits to your garden. By choosing the right type of suet, using a specialized feeder, and positioning it correctly, you can increase your chances of attracting these cute and colourful birds. Remember to provide a variety of other foods, and enjoy the sight of these delightful creatures as they visit your garden throughout the year.
