GARDEN BIRD FEEDING GUIDE FOR AUTUMN AND WINTER

We have put together the following brief guide on what and how to feed your beloved garden birds during this autumn and coming winter months. We hope that you find it interesting and useful. We have all the bird foods that you need in order to provide the best for your feathered friends at great prices on our website.

The Significance of Bird Feeding

Autumn and winter present a challenging period for wild birds in the UK. The depletion of natural food sources and plummeting temperatures can threaten their survival. Your role in providing consistent, quality food and creating a welcoming habitat is crucial for their well-being. Here's a more detailed look at each aspect:

Providing a selection of Bird Foods

1. Seed Mixes:

Black Sunflower Seeds: These are nutritionally rich and have a high oil content, making them an excellent choice for many species. They are especially loved by finches, sparrows, and tits.

Sunflower Hearts: These are a great source of energy and are a favourite of various birds, including goldfinches, greenfinches, and chaffinches.

Niger Seeds: These small, oil-rich seeds are a hit with goldfinches and siskins, and they are best served in specialised niger feeders to minimise waste.

2. Peanuts:
Unsalted, unroasted Peanuts: Offer these in a mesh peanut feeder to prevent birds from taking large chunks and to reduce the risk of choking. Blue tits, great tits, and woodpeckers relish peanuts.

3. Suet Products:
Suet Balls, Blocks & Rolls: These are calorie dense, making them ideal for birds in need of extra energy during the colder months. Robins, starlings, and blackbirds are frequent suet consumers.

4. Mealworms:
Dried Mealworms: These are a top choice for insect-eating birds such as robins, wrens, and blue tits. A mealworm feeder can help keep them readily available.

5. Fruits and Berries:
Apples, Pears, and Berries: Fresh or dried fruits are a natural source of nutrition for birds. These attract thrushes, blackbirds, and other fruit-loving species. You can string them on branches or use a bird table.

6. Kitchen Scraps:

Mild Cheeses, Cooked Rice, and Unsalted Nuts: While it's best to avoid excessive scraps, these occasional treats can be offered as long as they are free from harmful substances like bones or sharp objects.

Feeder and Habitat Management

1. Cleanliness:
Regular Cleaning: Cleaning feeders every 2 weeks is essential to prevent the spread of diseases among birds. Use a 10% bleach solution for effective disinfection, followed by a thorough rinse and drying before refilling.

2. Fresh Water:
Provision of Water: Offering clean, unfrozen water is vital. Bird baths with heaters or heated bird water dispensers are reliable solutions to keep water available during winter.

3. Placement:

Safety First: Position your feeders and bird tables away from spots where predators like cats can hide. This provides a safer environment for birds to feed.

4. Shelter:

Natural Cover: Evergreen trees and shrubs are indispensable for providing shelter from cold, wet, and windy weather. Additionally, creating brush piles or dense hedges can offer refuge for birds from predators.

5. Nesting Boxes:
Nesting Opportunities: Nesting boxes are an excellent addition to your garden. Install them to provide safe roosting and nesting sites for birds during the spring nesting season. Ensure they are placed at the appropriate height and orientation.

Seasonal Considerations

1. Autumn (September to November):
High-Energy Foods: As natural food supplies dwindle, offer high-energy foods like black sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet products. Birds require these extra calories for migration or to prepare for the winter months.

2. Winter (December to February):
High-Fat Foods: During the coldest months, focus on providing high-fat foods such as suet and suet-based products. These are essential for birds to maintain their energy levels and body temperature in freezing weather.

Record and Observe
Maintain a Bird Journal: Record the bird species visiting your garden throughout the season. This not only enhances your connection with nature but also contributes valuable data to science efforts.  Join bird watching such as the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch. These initiatives help monitor and protect bird populations in the UK.

Garden Design

Native Shrubs and Trees: Planting native vegetation in your garden provides natural food sources and secure nesting sites for birds. Examples include hawthorn, ivy, and holly.

Diverse Vegetation: Create a garden with diverse layers of vegetation, including trees, shrubs, and flowers. This multifaceted approach ensures your garden caters to the needs of a wide range of bird species throughout the year.

By following this guide you can create a nurturing environment for wild birds during the autumn and winter seasons in your own garden.