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Attracting Wild Birds

Attracting Wild Birds

A consequence of the modern world we live in has been to hugely deplete the natural environment and food sources for wild birds and other species. For birds which would naturally live in woodland, hedgerows and more open ground, gardens have often become more favourable habitats to feed, nest and roost. And even the smallest of gardens can attract a wide variety of birds if the environment and what it offers is right for them.

No single thing will ensure you attract birds to your garden; it is a combination of factors with these being the main ones:

1. Providing a range of different foods for garden birds

Long gone are the days when all that was available to feed birds with was low quality peanuts and seed mixes which contained all sorts of bits and pieces which birds didn’t even eat! Now there’s a wealth of different foods available, and at Vine House Farm we have everything from sunflower hearts, and our high quality seed mixes, to suet products and live foods such as mealworms.

By providing a wide mix of foods, you will attract more species simply because different foods are preferred by different species – e.g. Goldfinches love niger seed and Long Tailed Tits love suet and fat blocks. For more detailed information go to our what to feed page.

2. Provide a range of ways for birds to feed in your garden

A mix of different foods is the start point, but if a particular bird can’t get to its favourite food then it won’t stay in your garden. A good example is the blackbird who, unlike species of tits and most finches, can’t perch on a seed feeder full of sunflower hearts. So, even though sunflower hearts are a favourite food, the Blackbird needs them in a place which is the same or similar to where it would find its natural food – i.e. the ground or a bird table. For more detailed information go to our how to feed page.

3. A wildlife friendly garden

The first thing to say is that this doesn’t have to mean a wild and overgrown garden! Indeed a well thought through wildlife friendly garden can also be a relatively neat and tidy one. The key is to provide a mix of habitats – even if each is very small – these should include:

• Dense shrubs and climbers which provide cover from predators, food, roosting and nesting opportunities.

• More open areas such as lawn, but consider leaving the grass longer in a few places (this actually looks really good if you make it into distinct shapes).

• Plants and shrubs which attract bees and other insects.

• Shrubs and trees which have berries for birds to eat – e.g. cotoneaster and rowan.

• Plants which have seeds birds eat – e.g. sunflowers and many species of wild flower.

• A ‘habitat pile’ which is basically a pile of branches, twigs and other garden waste tucked in a corner of the garden somewhere – insects will live, breed and hibernate in this and provide food for your birds.

• Having fresh water available for drinking and bathing – see our providing water page for more info.

• Putting up different types of nest boxes – see our nest and camera boxes page, plus our dedicated advice page on nest boxes.

Other things to consider if you have the space:

• A wildlife pond – this can be home to a huge range of wildlife and will also attract birds because of the food it provides – i.e. insects.

• A dedicated wild flower area (separate from cultivated plants)

• For larger gardens planting native trees such as silver birch and, if your garden is really large, oak as well.

For more information about creating habitat for birds in your garden, go to our Habitat to attract birds to your garden page.