Helping birds this winter
5 simple ways to help garden birds this winter
After a summer of refraining from feeding the birds on advice from the RSPB in order to stop the spread of disease, it’s brilliant to hear that from 1st October, the RSPB is encouraging us to welcome birds back into our outdoor spaces.
As the days get shorter and temperatures begin to drop, our gardens become an increasingly important resource for garden birds. Food can be harder to find, natural shelter is reduced, and cold weather means birds need more energy to survive.
So, what can you do to help?
Leave the seedheads
Leave some plants standing through autumn and winter – these can be hugely beneficial for wildlife.
Plants such as echinacea, rudbeckia and ornamental grasses produce seedheads that provide a natural food source for birds. The stems and foliage can also offer shelter for insects, which are another source of food for wildlife.
Our top tip – If you do want to cut some plants back, leave a few areas untouched until spring and see what wildlife pops in.
Plant berries
Planting shrubs and trees that produce berries is a great way to provide food while also adding colour to your garden.
Holly, hawthorn and cotoneaster all produce berries that birds can enjoy, as well as shelter.
Our top tip – When choosing plants for your garden, look for varieties that offer something for wildlife across different seasons.
Keep bird feeders topped up
Bird feeders can supplement the natural food available in your garden, particularly during colder weather when birds need extra energy.
Sunflower hearts, mixed seeds and suet are good options for attracting a range of garden birds. Try to keep feeders topped up regularly so birds can rely on them as a consistent food source.
It’s really important to keep your bird feeders clean. Regular cleaning helps prevent the spread of disease between birds, particularly where lots of birds are using the same feeding station.
Our top tip – Place feeders somewhere birds have a good view of their surroundings, while still being close enough to shrubs or trees to provide cover if they need it.
Provide fresh water
Birds need a reliable source of fresh water for drinking and bathing. A shallow bird bath or container of fresh water is all you need. Keep it clean and check it regularly during periods of freezing weather. You can also place a small object, such as a stone, in the water to provide birds with a secure place to perch.
Our top tip – As with your feeding station, position your bird bath somewhere open enough for birds to spot potential predators and near enough to cover that they have somewhere to retreat to.
Create safe cover
Food and water are important, but birds also need somewhere safe to shelter from cold weather and predators.
Dense shrubs, hedges and evergreen plants provide valuable cover throughout winter. They offer places for birds to rest, hide and shelter from harsh weather.
A garden designed with wildlife in mind can bring more movement, colour and interest throughout the year, giving you even more reason to enjoy your outdoor space during the colder months.
