Benefits of Feeding Birds in the Garden
Watching birds in your garden is a wonderful way to connect with nature and they also bring real benefits to us as gardeners in controlling pests and even helping reduce weeds. We can help them by planting berry or fruit bushes and trees, leaving seedheads, feeding all year round, providing water for drinking and bathing, and putting up nesting boxes as well.
Approximately 30 species of bird are regular garden visitors in the UK, although more than 140 bird species have been recorded in British gardens. Some are seasonal visitors such as house martins in summer or redwings in winter. Others such as robins and blackbirds are resident year round and can become very familiar faces in the garden or allotment.
A good population of birds in the garden are signs of a healthy garden and Agriframes Bird Feeder Obelisk and Wall Feeder are stylish ways to attract birds to your garden – here are a few reasons to support your local bird population:
Enhancing Biodiversity
Feeding birds can greatly enhance the biodiversity of your garden -and they play a crucial role in pest control by feeding on insects and other invertebrate - A brood of Blue Tits can get through over 1000 caterpillars and aphids in a day!!
This natural form of pest control reduces the need for chemical pesticides, promoting a healthier and more sustainable garden environment.
Birds also contribute to the pollination of plants and the dispersal of seeds - Species like the blackbird and thrush eat fruits and berries, aiding in the spread of plants to create a thriving garden ecosystem.
Lifelong Learning
Feeding birds in the garden has significant educational benefits, particularly for children. It provides a hands-on learning experience about wildlife, ecology, and the environment. Children can learn to identify different bird species, understand their feeding habits, and develop a sense of responsibility for caring for local wildlife.
Engaging children in bird feeding can also foster a lifelong interest in nature and conservation - making homemade bird feeders, keeping a bird diary, or participating in projects like the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch can be both fun and informative. These experiences help to build awareness and appreciation for the natural world from a young age – a Bird Feeder Obelisk is a great gift for the whole family!
Connecting with Nature
Watching feeding birds is one of the joys of taking time out in the garden – it reduces stress and gives us a totally different perspective on life in our gardens.
For many people, feeding birds can also become a gateway to a deeper interest in birdwatching and conservation sparking a greater appreciation for just how much variety there is in the wildlife on our doorstep.
Practical Tips for Feeding Birds
To maximise the benefits of feeding birds, it is important to follow some practical guidelines:
- Offer a Variety of Foods: Different bird species have different dietary preferences. Providing a mix of seeds, nuts, suet, and mealworms can attract a diverse range of birds.
- Use wire mesh feeders for peanuts and seed feeders for other seed - specially designed feeders are required for the small niger seed, which is a favoured food of goldfinches
- Food placed on wire mesh held just off the ground will entice ground-feeding birds such as robins and dunnocks
- Place fat blocks in wire cages - create your own fat blocks by melting suet into moulds such as coconut shells or into holes drilled into logs
- Keep Feeders Clean: Regularly clean feeders to prevent the spread of disease. Use a mild disinfectant and rinse thoroughly.
- Provide Fresh Water- Birds need water for drinking and bathing. Ensure a consistent supply of clean water, especially during freezing conditions.
- Create a Safe Environment - Place feeders in locations where birds can easily spot predators. Providing cover, such as shrubs and trees, can offer protection.
- Be Consistent - Once you start feeding birds, try to maintain a regular feeding schedule, especially during harsh weather when birds rely more heavily on supplemental food.
Whether you are an avid birdwatcher or a casual gardener, setting up bird feeders can transform your garden into a vibrant haven for birds and a chance relax and enjoy the many visitors that might otherwise go unnoticed.
