His advice includes keeping fresh water available, providing high-energy food, and creating safe shelters in the garden. Autumn is a critical time for birds, as many species are now finishing their annual moult and starting to prepare for winter. That’s why it’s very important to offer a mix of seeds, nuts, and suet to help them build fat reserves and stay warm during the winter months.
Cooler temperatures and wet weather can make it harder for them to find enough food and dry shelter, so a few small changes in the garden can make a big difference to their well-being. A reliable supply of clean, fresh water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to help. Birds need it for drinking and bathing, which helps them maintain healthy feathers for warmth and flight.
A bird bath would be ideal, but a shallow bowl on the ground works just as well. Just remember to change the water daily to stop it from freezing or becoming dirty.
Food is another essential, as birds need to build up fat reserves to stay warm through the colder months ahead. Provide a mix of seeds, nuts, and suet in feeders or scattered across sheltered areas of the garden for easy access.
It’s worth cutting back on pesticide use during the autumn months, as chemicals can harm the insects birds rely on for food.
Homeowners should also consider installing a birdhouse to offer birds protection from wind and rain, or even leaving part of the garden slightly untidy with fallen leaves and twigs to create shelter for small birds.
Here are Chris Bonnett’s top five tips for autumn bird care:
Provide high-energy food
Offer a mix of seeds, nuts, and suet to help birds build fat reserves and stay warm through October and the months ahead. Position feeders in sheltered spots to protect them from wind and rain.
Leave out water
As temperatures continue to drop, birds need a reliable source of clean water for drinking and bathing. Use a bird bath or shallow bowl and replace the water daily to keep it fresh.
Create shelter
Resist the urge to tidy up every corner of the garden. A small pile of leaves and twigs creates warmth and shelter for smaller birds and other wildlife.
Install a birdhouse
Bird houses offer birds a safe place to rest and take shelter from harsh weather. Place them in quiet, sheltered areas away from strong winds and predators.
Avoid pesticides
Switch to natural pest control solutions to prevent harming the insects that birds depend on for food. Birds will benefit from the extra insects, and your plants will thrive in a healthier, more balanced environment.