Key Takeaways -

• Choose the right bird feeder and food to attract different bird species.
• Place feeders near cover and provide water to create a safe, inviting feeding station.
• Offer high-energy food like suet in winter and fruits in summer to support birds year-round.
• Add nest boxes and bird-friendly plants to encourage birds to visit and stay in your garden.

Attracting birds to your garden feeder in the UK is not only enjoyable but also important for wildlife. By providing food, you help local bird populations thrive, especially during times when natural food is harder to find.

This article will explain why bird feeders are essential for supporting wildlife and how they can make your garden a more vibrant place. You'll also learn how feeding birds can bring personal enjoyment and help connect you with nature.

Keep reading to find out how you can easily attract birds to your garden, making a difference for wildlife while creating a peaceful, lively space for yourself.

Choosing the Right Feeder

Types of Bird Feeders

Choosing the right type of bird feeder can help attract different species to your garden. Here are some of the most popular feeders and the birds they attract:

• Platform Feeders: Great for finches, sparrows, and robins. Ideal for ground-feeding birds like doves and juncos, offering an open, accessible space.
• Tube Feeders: Perfect for smaller birds like tits, finches, and house sparrows. They hold small seeds and prevent larger birds from dominating.
• Suet Feeders: Attract woodpeckers, bluetits, and wrens. Suet is high in energy and is especially helpful during cold months.
• Ground Feeders: Cater to blackbirds, doves, and chaffinches, providing food for birds that prefer foraging on or near the ground.

Placement of Feeders

Proper placement of your bird feeders is essential for attracting a wide range of birds while keeping them safe. Consider these tips when positioning your feeders:

• Place feeders near bushes or trees to provide birds with quick cover from predators.
• Avoid placing feeders close to windows to reduce the risk of bird collisions.
• Set up multiple feeding stations in different areas of your garden to attract a variety of bird species.
• Position feeders near natural cover for safety, encouraging more diverse visitors to feel comfortable.

Choosing the Right Bird Food

Popular Bird Food Options

Choosing the right food for your bird feeder is essential for attracting a variety of bird species to your garden. Here are some of the best options:

• Sunflower Hearts: A favourite of finches, sparrows, and robins.
• Mealworms: Best for robins, starlings, and blackbirds. Bluebirds and other insect-loving species prefer both live or dried mealworms.
• Suet Balls: A winter essential that attracts woodpeckers, blue tits, and other energy-seeking birds.
• Niger Seeds: Perfect for small garden birds like goldfinches and siskins.
• Fruits: Halved oranges and grape jelly are popular with orioles and other fruit-loving birds (1).

Avoiding Harmful Bird Seed

Using low-quality or cheap bird seed can harm the birds you're trying to attract. These mixes often contain fillers that provide little nutrition and may even include harmful ingredients.

Always check the seed's quality, ensuring it's free of mould and pests. Proper storage in a cool, dry place will help keep bird seed fresh and safe for when you feed birds.

Creating a Bird-Friendly Environment

Offering Water Sources

Providing fresh water is just as important as food for attracting birds to your garden. A bird bath offers a place for birds to drink and bathe, keeping them hydrated and clean. Adding drippers or fountains can make your bird bath even more appealing, as moving water catches birds' attention.

For water placement, position your bird bath near feeders for easy access, but not so close that spilt seed creates a mess. Ensure it's in a visible, safe spot where birds can watch for predators.

Nesting and Shelter Options

Installing nest boxes helps birds find safe places to nest and raise their young. Position the boxes away from direct sunlight and strong winds, and choose designs based on the bird species you want to attract.

In addition to nest boxes, plant bird-friendly trees and shrubs like rowan, hawthorn, and teasels. These provide natural shelter, food sources, and safe nesting areas for birds year-round.

Seasonal Considerations

Winter Feeding

During the cold months, food becomes scarce for birds, so providing high-energy options like suet and mealworms is essential to help them stay warm and healthy. These foods offer the extra fat and protein birds need in winter.

Additionally, keeping water accessible is important—using heaters in bird baths will prevent water from freezing and ensure birds can continue to drink and bathe.

Summer Feeding

In summer, adjust the food you offer to attract migratory species. Focus on fruits and seeds that appeal to these birds, such as halved oranges or sunflower seeds. This variety keeps your feeders active and supports species during their seasonal migrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Add a Bird House to Attract Birds?

Yes, adding a birdhouse can help attract birds to your garden, especially those looking for a safe nesting space. Different species prefer specific types of birdhouses, so choose one based on the birds you wish to attract.

Position the birdhouse in a quiet, sheltered area to avoid disturbances and increase the chances of birds using it.

How Do I Differentiate Local Birds From Migratory Birds?

Local birds are typically seen year-round, while migratory birds are more seasonal visitors, appearing during certain times of the year. Migratory birds often have distinct patterns of behaviour, such as arriving in spring or autumn.

Observing their behaviour and checking migration charts for your region can help identify these seasonal visitors.

Is a Bird Table Necessary to Attract Birds?

A bird table is not necessary but can be very helpful in attracting various bird species. It provides a safe, elevated feeding space that makes it easier for birds to find food. Bird tables also allow you to offer a range of foods, such as seeds, suet, and fruits, which can attract different species.

Conclusion

In conclusion, attracting birds to your garden can be a rewarding experience for both you and your feathered friends.

By selecting the right food, placing a new bird feeder in the ideal location, and creating a bird-friendly environment with fresh water and shelter, you can turn your garden into a welcoming feeding station.

With this simple guide, you'll enjoy the beauty and joy of watching various bird species thrive in your space.

Sources -

1. https://www.birdsandblooms.com/birding/attracting-birds/feeding-birds/top-10-tips-attract-birds-feeders/