If you want to bring birds into your garden, there is one thing you should do – and you can get started right now.
Birds bring many benefits to a garden, from their visual appeal to their role in pest control and pollination. These winged wonders also help with weed control and are a fantastic addition to all gardens, be they petite suburban courtyards or expansive country estates.
There are numerous steps you can take to attract birds, including choosing the right plants, providing fresh water, and offering nesting spots. But the most effective way to invite these feathered friends is to install a bird feeder.
Positioning one of these in your garden is akin to laying out the red carpet for our avian allies.
ITV Good Morning Britain viewers say ‘no thanks’ as they fume over star’s return
Six houseplants that can help keep spiders out of the house
Depending on the size of your garden, you might consider setting up multiple bird feeders, but for a small, suburban green space, one should suffice. There’s a vast array of bird feeders on the market, ranging from simple designs to more elaborate models, and choosing the perfect one could prove challenging.
Bird feeders come in a wide variety of sizes, materials, and styles, so think about what type of birds you’re hoping to attract that frequent your area before making a decision. A tiny bird feeder in an area visited by larger species like crows may not be the best choice, but if you’re frequented by robins or other smaller birds, it would be suitable, reported The Express.
Doing a bit of research into the birds that live in your area, what they eat, and which bird feeders are best for your garden can really pay off. It can also save you money if you buy the right things first time round.
Once you’ve chosen the right bird feeder, you’ll need to fill it with the right food for the birds you want to attract. The Woodland Trust says different types of birds like different foods, so you’ll need to bear this in mind when you’re planning to bring more birds into your garden.
What food for what bird species?
- Suet balls – this food source is great for providing sustenance during the winter, as they give birds the calories they need to keep them going during the long, cold months. They are a favourite with species such as robins, blue tits, and long-tailed tits.
- Sunflower hearts – these objects are easy for birds to eat and contain high protein. Sunflower hearts are a popular meal choice with siskins, house sparrows, robins, and finches all loving the treat.
- Niger seeds – these tiny black seeds will need to be placed in a specialist feeder as they’re so small. They are the food of choice for small birds such as siskins, greenfinches, and goldfinches.
- Mealworms – whether you choose dried or live, mealworms are another great addition to your garden restaurant. They are a hit with species such as robins, starlings, and blackbirds.
- Peanuts – peanuts are full of protein and fat, so they are another great option to feed birds. Having peanuts in your feeder is likely to attract a variety of different birdlife, including tits, finches, and siskins.
It may take some time for birds to visit your new feeders, but once they are aware of their location, there is a strong chance they will return. Keep the feeders topped up regularly and keep them somewhere where a bird can spot potential danger. Having the feeder located near a hedge or tree will provide cover. Avoid putting your feeder down low or on the ground as cats can turn them into an ambush site.