The siting of bird features is very important, is you site
features poorly it makes the birds you want to attract vunerable to predators.
The winter months are vitally important and food and water
are in short supply due to freezing conditions. Once you start feeding, you
will need to continue regularly as the birds will start to rely on you during
this time and if the supply is cut off they could end up dying, so to start
then stop is worse than doing nothing in the first place.
Bird Tables
Bird tables are common and basic bird feature, you should
place it close enough to your house to be seen, but 6 feet from any brand or
wall. Make sure that the table is 5 feet high or more. Always try to get one
with a roof, this keeps food aswell as the birds out of the rain and stops
falling leaves too.
If you want
to stop squirrels and cats from climbing the bird table then use a plastic
drainpipe over the top of the wood, this should prevent them from being able to
grip stopping them getting up.
Nest Box
Suitable for all hole-nesting species of birds such as tits,
nuthatches and sparrows. Mount it around 6 feet from the ground and camouflage
too. Do not situate too close to the house or south facing. The hole should be
around 1 inch in diameter and 5 inches from the base. Make it about 4 inches
square or more.
Bird Baths
Birds require water to drink and to bath in, this is
especially true during hot dry summers or very cold winters. Don’t fill the
bird bath too deeply and change it regularly. If using a ground level bird bath
always use a wading stone so birds are able to walk in and out.
Give Birds a Variety of Foods
Birds enjoy to eat a variety of foods not just seeds, this
includes:
- fats
- peanuts
- cheese
- bacon
- cereals
- fruit
- suet
- wild bird food
- and wholemeal bread too
Spread it out so a number of birds can graze at the same time and avoid foods such as uncooked meat, salted peanuts, white bread and spicy foods!
Feeding Birds at Ground Level
Robins and Thrushes like to feed at ground level, so spread food out in a shallow tray or on your lawn so plenty of them can feed at the same time, but remember to take it away before nightfall to prevent vermin.
