Are you taking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch this year? Check out our tips on how to attract more birds to your garden!
Have the right food available
There are lots of different food mixes available, and it is important to get the right one for the birds you’d like to attract. It’s also important to know whether birds prefer feeding from the ground, from feeders, or from tables.
- Blackbirds eat a variety of foods, ranging from fatty nibbles to mealworms, and will most often feed from the ground.
- Blue tits like to eat from bird feeders and tables, and enjoy seeds, suet and peanuts.
- Finches use a bird feeder or table, and love sunflower hearts. However, bear in mind sunflower hearts spoil quickly and your feeder will need cleaning regularly to avoid spreading bacteria.
Where should you put bird feeders and tables?
Bird feeder can be put anywhere, but aim for somewhere:
- Quiet – where birds won’t be disturbed
- Safe – not too close to bushes where predators can hide and wait, but close enough to cover that birds can easily dart to and from.
- Sheltered from harsh winds.
Make sure you can see your feeder while indoors, so you can get the most pleasure from it. But remember, it can take time for birds to get used to a new feeder, so don’t be disappointed if you don’t get many birds at first.
Remember a water bowl
Birds like to drink, but you don’t always need a traditional bird bath. Try some of these ideas:
- Try an old dinner plate or breakfast bowl – anything shallow that holds water.
- Large plant pot trays
- Add a shallow or sloping area to a pond
- Use a water feature or fountain
