[Djstorm]

As per title, I've acquired a fairly substantial log(weighs probably more than myself) which I intent to drill holes into as I've heard that this will help to attract the GSW that seem to like the peanut feeder.

Only thing is, how big should the holes be and what exactly should go in them. There is "wild bird mix", "peanuts", "sunflower seeds" and "suet" on offer at the minute with "nyjer" being added on friday.

I've also heard that peanut butter is loved by the birds, is that merely because of the peanuts? Do you literally smear a tub all over the log(not one for dainty touches being a farm worker an all).......

[catbasket]

Originally Posted by Djstorm

Only thing is, how big should the holes be and what exactly should go in them.

How about leaving some of the holes empty as solitary bee nests?



These are docile, safe bees which don't sting.

From spring onwards the female bees build several nest compartments in each hole, and each compartment has an egg and a food supply. The egg hatches into a larva which eats the food, grows and then hibernates until the following spring when the new adult bee emerges. If it's lucky.



If you're lucky you'll have a free, natural food supply for your GSWs.

For bee nests hole sizes 2mm to 10mm are used. For manual GSW feeding I guess the smaller sizes wouldn't be necessary. Which is lucky as it would be a nightmare trying to get food into a 2mm hole!

Our local GSWs love peanuts and rarely go for anything else (our bee nests are to help the bees, not feed the birds ). Peanuts pushed into peanut-sized holes 2-3 inches/5-7.5cm deep sounds a good bet to me.

Good luck with it, and if you can drill a few bee nest holes 4 inches/10cm or deeper* the bees will love you for it -





* means some should be safe from predators until they emerge as adults the following year

[Djstorm]

I have to say, I've never thought of having bees about the place....sounds like a pretty good idea.

After holes and log are in place, how long do you think it would be before the bees are attracted?

[Kits]

Originally Posted by Djstorm

...
I've also heard that peanut butter is loved by the birds, is that merely because of the peanuts? Do you literally smear a tub all over the log(not one for dainty touches being a farm worker an all).......

The log sounds like a great idea. As for peanut butter, I just smear it on the branches of trees here and the birds (and squirrels ) love it.

[GlesgaBirds]

Made sweet potato and peanut butter gratin for dinner the other night.

May put some of the peanut butter that's left out on the trees, see what happens.

If it keeps squirrels off the feeders, am all for it.......

[catbasket]

Originally Posted by Djstorm

After holes and log are in place, how long do you think it would be before the bees are attracted?

It doesn't take long at all. The females actively search out good nesting sites and they'll soon find yours. They prefer south-facing sites and with the nest hole drilled slightly upwards (stops rain running in - apparently it's the wet that kills the young in winter, not the cold).

This site has some info on solitary bees and is where I got my nest-building ideas from.