Strange Chiffchaff behaviour (1 Viewer)

I have noticed that Chiffchaffs behave strangely at the bird feeders around this time of year. At 2 different locations I have seen chiffchaffs sitting near a feeder, and then mobbing birds that leave the feeder, but the chiffchaff won't go on the feeder itself. Is the Chiffchaff trying to make a bird carrying food drop it? or could it be defending a food source, even though it doesn,t appear to be using the feeder itself? Anyone have any theories about what's going on.
Jackie

Hi Jackie. I have observed this behaviour with chifchaffs in my garden too. I can only think they are defending a possible food source,ie insects getting into a feeder. Many warblers are quite aggressive towards other birds in feeding areas. Blackcaps are well known for this kind of behaviour at bird feeders. I watched a chiffchaff systematically remove a few swallows which had perched on wires over my garden in August. Feisty little things!

Si.