Autumn Bird Feeding

How to make the most of your garden this Autumn 🍂

Why Feed Birds in Autumn and Winter? ❄️

British wild birds spend a lot of time searching for food, but during autumn and winter, that food becomes harder to find. Shorter days mean less foraging time and they burn more energy trying to stay warm on cold nights. Food like insects, berries and seeds start to disappear as the cold weather sets in.

By offering some extra food, you’re helping birds survive the colder months and giving them the strength to get through winter breeding, which is important for the bird population.

Plus, a well-stocked bird feeder can attract a wide variety of birds to your garden, from chirpy robins to colourful finches, so it’s rewarding for you too! Nothing beats the sound of hearing chirping birds with full tummies on a crisp Autumn morning.

The Best Food Options for Wild Birds in Autumn and Winter 🐦

Birds need high-energy foods to keep their bodies warm and their strength up. Here’s our top choices:

1. Suet: A High-Calorie Treat for Cold Weather 🌨️

If you’re going to pick just one type of food to offer birds this winter, suet is our top choice. This is usually beef fat which provides a high calorie source of energy that’s perfect for cold weather. Balls, cakes, pellets, and nuggets are available!

The fat content in suet helps birds stay warm, which is essential during those cold nights. Plus, it’s easy for birds to digest, so they get the energy boost they need easily. Suet is especially loved by starlings, woodpeckers, tits, and robins.

Tip: Place suet feeders out of reach of squirrels or use a squirrel-proof feeder. Squirrels love suet, but this can scare off the birds. Try a squirrel proof feeder or offer them their own!

2. Mealworms: Protein-Packed and Irresistible 🪱

Mealworms are a fantastic food source for insect-eating birds like robins, blackbirds, and wrens but they are hard to find in the winter.

Easy for birds to eat and with a high amount of protein, mealworms are perfect for helping birds stay active in the colder months.

Tip: Soak dried mealworms in water for a few minutes before putting them out; this makes them even more appealing and gives birds a bit of extra hydration too.

3. Peanuts: Packed with Protein and Fat 🥜

High in both protein and fat, peanuts are an ideal choice for winter feeding. They attract a variety of birds, including blue tits, great tits, woodpeckers, and nuthatches.

Just like suet, peanuts are energy-packed and easy for birds to eat. They’re high in calories, helping birds save their energy and stay warm.

Tip: Place peanuts in a wire mesh feeder to prevent larger birds from gobbling them up all at once. This also prevents younger birds from accidentally choking on whole peanuts.

4. A Complete Mix: Something for Everyone 💯

If you want to attract a wider range of species and make your garden more inviting for smaller birds too, a complete bird food mix is a great choice.

Quality mixes usually contain seeds, grains, and sometimes crushed nuts, providing a great balance of carbs, protein and fat. Try to avoid fillers like wheat which can attract unwanted pests without providing much nutrients for the birds.

Tip: If you’re not sure what mix to get, ask a member of the team!

Creating a Bird-Friendly Space in Your Garden 🌳

Now that you’ve got the food covered, it’s time to set up a bird friendly feeding station.

1. Choose the Right Feeder: Different feeders suit different types of food. Suet balls can go in special cages, peanuts are best in mesh feeders, and a platform feeder can work well for mealworms and seed mixes. Great for avoiding mess and for beginners, we have pre-filled feeders!
2. Place Feeders Carefully: Position feeders in sheltered spots to protect birds from the wind. A spot near shrubs or hedges is ideal – it also provides a quick escape for birds if predators are nearby.
3. Keep Feeders Clean: Dirty feeders can spread disease, so clean them regularly with warm, soapy water and let them dry completely before refilling. Try to clear away any old or mouldy food too.
4. Offer Fresh Water: Birds need water for drinking and bathing, even in winter. A shallow dish or bird bath can make a big difference. Just remember to break the ice on cold mornings.
5. Limit Ground Feeding: While some birds do prefer feeding on the ground, it’s best not to scatter too much food there, as it can attract unwanted visitors like rats. A ground tray or table is a better option if you want to cater to ground-feeding birds.

The Joy of Watching Winter Birds 🔎

Bird feeding in autumn and winter isn’t just great for the birds – it’s also a lovely way to connect with nature and watching birds visit your garden can bring a bit of peace in the bleaker months. Speak to the team about how you can make your garden a safe haven for birds and maybe even get some regular visitors!