Bird feeders do far more than add life and colour to the garden – they can make a real difference to birds’ health and breeding success. While winter feeding is well known, providing food all year round is just as valuable. In spring and summer, adult birds need extra energy for nesting, and many species rely on easy-to-access food while they’re busy raising hungry chicks. In autumn, birds build up vital reserves to help them cope with colder weather ahead.
It’s also worth remembering that not all birds eat the same thing. Seed mixes and sunflower hearts are favourites for finches and sparrows, while peanuts and suet products are ideal for tits and woodpeckers. Ground-feeding birds such as robins and blackbirds prefer softer foods, like mealworms or fruit, offered on a bird table or ground tray.
By offering a small range of foods and keeping feeders clean, you’ll support a wider variety of birds – and enjoy more visitors in return.
