Llanelli Naturalists Newsletter - October 2001 - No 67
Kath Cottingham

In autumn 2000 I purchased some Niger seed for the first time, before realising that one was supposed to have a special feeder to dispense it to the birds.  However, I had allowed numerous Teasels to grow in the garden for the Goldfinches and later in the winter, after all the Teasel seeds had been consumed, I replenished the empty heads by sprinkling them with Niger seed. This was very successful as the Goldfinches returned the same day despite the heads having had no seed in them for several weeks. Subsequently up to five birds returned frequently and were invariably to be seen in the garden, particularly soon after the Teasels had been ‘re-seeded’.

I was initially reluctant to recommend the use of this method of feeding as I was concerned that all the spilled Niger seed would grow into large thistles all over the garden!  But so far, after nearly a year, this has not happened (I presume the seed supplied is some alien species).  ‘Gilding the Lily’ reflects the somewhat scathing comment of a relative when I described this method of bird feeding!  Incidentally Niger seed is cheap and a little goes a long way.  This winter I hope to try a special feeder as well as Gilding the Lily!