We have a small 'vulture' at our feeders.
A Nuthatch has found a convenient niche on the top rail of the trellis on which the feeders are situated in which in it wedges black sunflower seeds, to hammer them open. As soon as the 'vulture' - a female House Sparrow, sees this it places itself opposite the Nuthatch, to take advantage of its technique by darting in and out, trying to steal the seed. As soon as the Nuthatch goes for seconds, the House Sparrow dashes in to clear up whatever is left.
Once again this year I have been observing our Robins. Early in the season one of them had a territory including the feeding area, the other bird's territory was close enough to the feeders for it do dash in for food when the owner was not about. There was, of course plenty of aggression, but as the season went on the 'feeder territory' bird became more tolerant and we have a pair. ' Feeder territory' is much bolder and the other is quite timid with a richer coloured breast and slightly more red to the rear of the eye. They have been taking meal worms for some time and come to call and at last - confirmation as I saw one begging and the other feeding it. The recipient, the female I guess, is the bird with the brighter breast.
The last time we had a 'cheeky' robin it used come quite close to me and 'tseep', very quietly for food. I heard the current female making the same sound when begging from the male. The male will come close and sings to me, but again, very, very quietly. He also sits on a japonica branch alongside me as I sit having breakfast in the conservatory and as soon as I get up it flies to the conservatory door for breakfast.
It's a tough job, but someone has to do it!
David, Felinfach