Feed the birds

Winter can be a tough time for birds as food sources become scarce. However, by providing a diverse selection of food in your garden, you can attract a variety of bird species and help them survive the colder months.

Provide a wide range of food

To support a wide range of birds, consider offering a mix of seeds, cereals, and nuts. Sunflower hearts or black sunflower seeds are great options, as they are easier for birds to eat than striped sunflower seeds. I have found the robin, blue tits and blackbirds in my garden will only eat the black sunflower seeds from the mixed seed feed I currently give them. So the next bag I buy will be black sunflower only! Additionally, a ground feeding mix or raisins/sultanas (soaked first) on a raised platform can be a great food source for ground-eating birds like blackbirds.

To keep birds safe from cats, place food on a flat surface above ground level. Other useful items to offer include mealworms, fat balls, windfall apples, and finely grated cheese.

Store food correctly

When it comes to storing food, it's important to only put out as much as birds can eat in a week to prevent molding. Only purchase as much food as you'll use and store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Keep feeders clean

To prevent the spread of disease, it's crucial to keep feeders clean. Aim to clean them once a week, using warm water and a mild detergent or diluted bleach. Remember to wear rubber gloves and not to wash feeders in your kitchen sink or with any sponges used for household cleaning. It might be helpful to have two sets of feeders, one being used while the other is being cleaned.

Provide feeders for birds that like hanging like Blue tits and those that are ground feeders like Robins.