Gardeners in the UK are being urged to leave piles of sticks out in their garden in October as the season changes. Autumn and winter offer a unique and rewarding experience for garden birdwatchers, as the changing seasons bring a dynamic mix of birds activity.
Migratory birds pass through or settle temporarily, while native species adapt to colder conditions and establish their winter habits. As natural food sources become scarce, gardens can become vital feeding grounds, making it an ideal time to support these birds with supplementary food and shelter. In return, birdwatchers are treated to a lively and often mesmerising display of behaviour, color, and song, turning even the quietest garden into a hub of seasonal wildlife.
According to Maria Kincaid, in-house Ornithologist and Research Specialist for FeatherSnap, a few things can help the birds to visit the garden even in the coming months.
She suggested that leaving piles of sticks or fallen leaves in the corners of your garden make great foraging spots for ground feeding birds.
She said: “A messy garden is a bird friendly one! Leaving piles of sticks or fallen leaves in the corners of your garden make great foraging spots for ground feeding birds, and leaving seed heads on flowers will encourage seedeaters to come in for a snack.”
These organic materials attract insects, worms, and other small invertebrates that birds like robins, blackbirds, and thrushes love to forage for.
The leaf litter also provides shelter and camouflage, making birds feel safer while they search for food. Additionally, these piles mimic the forest floor, offering a familiar environment for species that naturally feed at ground level.
By allowing parts of your garden to remain a little wild, it is believed that you are supporting biodiversity and giving birds a reliable source of nourishment, especially during colder months when food is scarce.
Apsrt from this, the expert has urged to make a healthy habitat for the birds. She explained that creating a bird-friendly garden starts with building a healthy habitat that supports the entire ecosystem. Incorporating native plants provides familiar food sources and shelter, while encouraging a thriving insect population gives birds plenty to forage on.
Adding natural cover and nesting spots—such as shrubs, trees, or bird boxes—makes your garden even more inviting.
It’s also important to minimise the use of pesticides, as many birds rely on insects for nourishment. By fostering a balanced environment, you not only help pollinate your plants but also attract a diverse range of birds that contribute to the vitality and beauty of your outdoor space.