Make your garden a bird haven in preparation for the RSPB’s event, January 27-29
During the last 50 years, the UK has lost 38 million birds from its skies, which is why the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2023 is so important. Use the RSPB free guide, to make a note of how many birds you see in your garden and send in your results. All it takes is an hour between January 27-29.
The annual event helps experts understand more about the UK’s bird populations, encouraging nature lovers to get involved and count the birds in their gardens. To attract birds to your garden, the head of CJ Wildlife Pro, Eric Michels, shares some tips on making your outdoor space more bird-friendly. Read more about last year’s Big Garden Birdwatch. You can see previous results here.
Big Garden Birdwatch 2023 – A food source
Food is one of the main features that will encourage birds to visit your garden. An array of feeders entices many varieties. Blackbirds and robins are ground feeders and prefer tables or lower surfaces. However, tits and sparrows prefer to feed from hanging stations.
The type of food you put out is also important. There are three main groups; seed eaters, insect eaters, and birds that eat both. Sparrows and finches love food that is packed with sunflower seeds, corn, and kibbled peanuts. Robins prefer food containing mealworms or dried fruit.
Foods high in fat are key for birds during winter, as well as for nest building and feeding their young. Sunflower seeds and peanuts are high in energy and can be found in fat products such as peanut cakes, fat blocks, and peanut butter for birds. You must clean bird feeders regularly to avoid disease.
Providing a home
Nest boxes are a great way to encourage birds to return to your garden. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of natural nesting sites for birds due to changes in agriculture and urbanisation. Installing a nest box replicates a natural nesting site, providing a safe haven for birds.
While most people install nest boxes in spring, winter is the best time to introduce a box. This will help birds to establish the garden as a safe area in preparation for nesting, as well as provide protection from winter weather.
Robins and wrens prefer an open-fronted nest box, allowing them to gain access quickly and safely. Small birds such as blue tits and coal tits prefer a smaller entry hole. CJ Wildlife’s WoodStone nest boxes, made from a mix of concrete and wood fibres, provide safety from predators and insulation.
Big Garden Birdwatch 2023 – A drinking water source
Most small birds need to drink at least twice a day. They bathe regularly to keep their feathers in good condition, especially during winter. Provide water bowls and baths, cleaning them regularly. Break up and remove ice for easy access during cold snaps.
Now you’ve done the hard work, sit back and enjoy their company. It’s very relaxing watching birds flit around the garden. For a more detailed view, invest in a pair of binoculars. Install a camera in a nest box to keep an eye on fledglings without disturbing them.
Visit www.birdfood.co.uk for more advice on garden wildlife.
