ATTRACTING GARDEN BIRDS
Watching birds feeding in your garden can be both rewarding and relaxing, but song birds along with the food chain that naturally supports them are in decline. There are things we can do by providing a few basic elements in our gardens or outside spaces (however small) which can support many forms of wildlife as well as attracting garden birds for us to enjoy.
Things to consider
Below are some elements to consider if you want to attract more birds to your garden with links to more in-depth sources of information published by British Wildlife organisations.
Water
A wild life pond is the ideal way to support birds, insects and other wildlife. Otherwise provide fresh water daily in a bird bath or shallow dishes of water with protruding pebbles. Find out more about how to provide water for wild life from the Wild Life Trust.
Shop here for Bird Baths.
Cats
It is important to consider cats when thinking of encouraging birds into your garden. To help protect birds from cats. Site your feeders high up and away from structures that a cat can jump from. Place spiny plants around the base of table or pole feeders. Use a squirrel baffle or have a pole made of a slippery material. Use commercially available ultrasonic-cat deterrents or a strong smelling repellents.
Read more Cats and Garden Birds RSPB.
Song Bird Survival suggest 3 simple steps to reduce your cats hunting behaviours
1) play for 5 -10 minutes a day with your cat. 2) fit your cat with a birds be safe cat collar. They reduce birds captured by 42%. 3) Feed your cat premium, meat rich food.
Cover
Birds are more likely to visit feeders if they have places they can perch nearby to check their surroundings for danger, and to take cover when predators such as a sparrow hawk or cat are around. Trees, bushes or an ivy covered fence, can provide a safe place to hide and suitable nesting and roosting sites.
Food
Providing food for wild birds is an excellent way to encourage them to visit your garden. If possible provide natural food sources by developing a natural ecosystem The BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) have a helpful article on wildlife gardening. Song Bird Survival offers a list of plants for birds To supplement wild food a variety of good quality bird food can be offered to attract different birds species. Beware of cheap bird food as it often contains cheap fillers that the birds may not eat or offers very little nutritional value to them. Shop here for feeders available from LittleEgret.
Nest Boxes
Dense hedges, bushy trees and overgrown shrubs make ideal nesting sites, but providing additional nest boxes are a great way to encourage birds to use your garden. There are many different types available to cater for the nesting habits of various wild birds. Song Bird Survival goes through the main types of nest boxes suitable for garden birds. See also the BTO Nest Boxes Your Essential Guide
Feeding Hygiene
Good garden feeding hygiene is very important to stop the risk of spreading diseases through wild bird populations. To help avoid this, only put out enough food to last up to 48 hours and make sure the feeder is empty before topping up. Empty out old food and clean feeders at least weekly with soapy water and animal safe disinfectant. Rotate the position of feeders around garden and remove any waste food from the ground below feeders. Waste food could be contaminated with bacteria so wear gloves and dispose of safely (not on a compost heap)