Birds provide many positives to a garden, from being visually appealing to eating pesky pests and assisting with pollination. The winged creatures also assist with weeds and are a great addition to all gardens, whether they be small, suburban courtyards or sprawling country estates.
There are a variety of different actions you can take to attract birds, and these include selecting the right plants, providing fresh water, and giving them somwhere to nest. But the best thing to do if you want to bring in some feathered friends is to gift them a bird feeder. Placing one of these features in your garden is the equivalent of rolling out the red carpet for high fliers.
Depending on the size of your garden, you may consider installing several bird feeders, but for a small, suburban outdoor space, one is probably enough. There are a huge number of different bird feeders available, from the simple to the ornate, and you will have a tough time deciding which is the perfect one for you.
Bird feeders come in a large variety of different sizes, materials, and looks so decide on what type of birds you want to attract that are flying within your area to decide accordingly. A very small bird feeder in a location visited by species such as crows is probably not ideal, but if you get robins or other smaller birds, it would suffice.
Doing research into what birds are residing in your region, what they eat, and what bird feeders are suitable for your garden will pay dividends in the long term. Having the answers to these questions will also save you money in the future if you buy once and buy right.
Once you select the right bird feeder, you will need to provide the correct food for whatever birds you are trying to attract to your garden. According to the Woodland Trust, different species of birds have different tastes in food, which you will have to take into consideration when planning to bring birdlife into your green spaces.
What food for what bird species?
- Suet balls – this food source is perfect 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 robins, blue tits, and long-tailed tits.
- Sunflower hearts – these items 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 species such as siskins, greenfinches, and goldfinches.
- Mealworms – whether you choose dried or live, mealworms are another great addition to your garden café. 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 on your feeder is likely to attract a variety of different birdlife, including tits, finches, and siskins.
It may take a while 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 tree or hedge will provide cover. Avoid putting your feeder down low as cats can turn them into an ambush site.