Table of Contents 1. 2. Yes it’s cold here in the winter but nothing compared to where these birds are coming from3. Differences between UK and continental birds of the same species4. Different foods and feeding methods remain the key to attracting these birds

Many people who feed garden birds will already be familiar with species which are largely just winter migrants to our shores, such as Fieldfare, Redwing, Brambling and Waxwing. But what often surprises the same people, is that common species we’re all familiar with also come here to get away from the extreme cold in Scandinavia, plus other parts of northern and eastern Europe – including Russia. These more familiar bird species include Blackbird, Robin, Chaffinch, Coal tit and Starling, with the latter often joining our resident populations to form very large flocks and the famed murmurations.   

Yes it’s cold here in the winter but nothing compared to where these birds are coming from

You could be forgiven for thinking that our winters in the UK would hardly be appealing for migrant songbirds, but it all comes down to average temperatures. For example, average inland temperatures in Norway during the depths of winter are around -10c (though often drop as low as -30c), whereas the average for the UK is around plus 3 centigrade. So although most of us would hardly describe our winter here as tropical, for a bird coming from Scandinavia or Russia it would certainly feel like it!

Differences between UK and continental birds of the same species

There can be subtle differences in plumage and other features between our UK birds and their continental counterparts, but these are not always consistent – and only the most expert ornithologist would anyway likely be able to distinguish between the two. So for most of us there’s no way of being absolutely sure of their origin if more of these common species turn up in our gardens looking for food, but certainly there’s every chance they’ve made the long journey across the North Sea.

Different foods and feeding methods remain the key to attracting these birds

As with the feeding of our UK resident garden birds, using different foods and offered in different ways is the key to success for attracting winter migrants. For example, Blackbirds are essentially a ground feeding species, so our Ground Mix spread directly on a lawn or patio is the best way to attract them. Chaffinches and Robins will also feed on the ground, but both will also use tube feeders, filled with a husk-free mix, if the perches are round rather than straight.

So please make winter migrants welcome in your garden by providing all the food they need.