Garden Birds

There are a variety of species that visit our gardens every year, ranging from tits and finches to the humble pigeon. 'Garden birds' are any species of bird that regularly visit gardens for shelter and food. Your garden's layout, amount of vegetation, water sources and food availability will affect what types of birds visit.

You can encourage a greater range of birds to visit your garden by:

  • Providing a food and water source
  • Planting native trees and shrubs to provide additional shelter
  • Increasing ground cover by allowing grasses and lawns to grow longer
Garden Birds FAQ

A bird has flown into your window 

If a bird has flown into a window, and appears stunned rather than injured, monitor it quietly for two hours. If possible place the bird in a well-ventilated box. If the bird appears to have recovered within two hours, open the box to see if the bird will fly away. If the bird still seems stunned and unable to fly after two hours, please contact your closest vet or wildlife rescue centre.

Baby birds 

It is common to find baby and fledgling birds on the ground during spring and summer. If you find a baby or fledgling bird, please keep any pets away and follow our baby bird advice.

What types of food should I feed garden birds?

Most garden birds enjoy a variety of seeds, peanuts, mealworms, and suet. Fat balls are especially good in winter. Make sure the food is fresh and not mouldy. Avoid bread as it provides little nutritional value and can harm birds.

When is the best time to feed garden birds?

Birds can be fed year-round, but they especially need extra help in winter when natural food sources are scarce. Early morning is the best time to put out food, as that’s when birds are most active.

What’s the best way to clean bird feeders and birdbaths?

It’s important to regularly clean bird feeders and birdbaths to prevent the spread of disease. Use hot, soapy water or a specialised cleaner, and make sure to rinse thoroughly. Clean them at least once a week.

Do garden birds need water?

Absolutely! Birds need fresh water for drinking and bathing, especially during hot or dry spells and in winter when water sources may freeze. Providing a birdbath or a shallow dish of water can make a big difference.

Why are birds pecking at my windows?

Birds sometimes mistake their reflection for another bird and may peck at windows thinking it’s a rival. You can deter this by placing decals or objects on the outside of the window to reduce reflections.

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