Nan's guide to feeding the birds

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If you want to enjoy watching the wild birds in your garden one of the best ways to attract them is to feed them.

You can offer them a variety of foods from peanuts, meal worms, suet and lots of different seeds.

One of the easiest ways to present  food is to use a bird table.

Location of the table is very important it needs to be in the open and away from places, like fences, trees and bushes, that prowling cats can use to ambush the feeding birds.

The disadvantage of a bird table is that it is open to the elements and food put out for the birds can become wet which will lead to it becoming mouldy. So it is essential that the table is cleaned regular.

Most tables are made of wood and are easy to build but there are more ornate wood and cast iron ones on the market. 

There are different types of container in which the food you want to feed to the birds can be presented in.

So what container (referred to as feeder) do you need. 

Seed feeders are either plastic or metal and come in a wide variety of sizes and styles they must be sturdy enough to withstand winter weather and squirrels and keep the seed dry.

If using metal feeders the gauge of the mesh will dictate what seed can be used in them. If the gauge of the mesh is to big then the seed will spill out causing wastage, to small and the birds will not be able to take the seed.

Seed feeders will need to be suspended from a pole or branch.

They also must be positioned away from possible cat ambush. 

Seeds available are Sunflower, Safflower, Nyjer , millet (golden and red),shelled or cracked corn.

Suet for birds is traditionally made of beef fat and when mixed with seeds, berries, nuts and mealworms offers a high energy food which is easy to digest and provides birds with a nutritious meal at any time of year. It can be purchased in pellet, cake or ball shapes which will dictate which style of feeder is required.

Peanuts are one of the most popular foods to feed wild birds. They are packed with protein and fat.

They can be given whole (in the shell), shelled or crushed but it is essential that they are not salted, flavoured or dry roasted which can harm feeding birds.

Although they can be feed all year round care must be taken  if using shelled peanuts during spring and summer as they can be considered a choking hazard to young chicks, so a feeder with a gauge size that does not allow whole peanuts to be taken by the adult birds is essential or do not feed peanuts during the breeding season.

Only feed small quantities of peanuts at a time as if left for longer periods they can spoil and go mouldy and become a serious health risk to birds 

Mealworms are actually not worms but the larval form of a beetle. They can be feed live or dried. 

If feeding live mealworms they should be placed in a dish which prevents their escape but is easy accessible to feeding birds. Feeding live mealworms can become expensive so freezer dried mealworms are preferred and usually mixed with other foods( suet).

If feeding dried mealworms during the spring and summer it is advisable to soak them in warm water to prevent them becoming a choke hazard to young chicks .Soaking also helps with hydration.

 Winter and spring are the most important times to feed the birds when natural food is scarce.

Feeding during spring and summer will also help with raising chicks

Once you do start feeding the birds you will notice the same species or even the same individual birds visiting your feeders daily. Birds will come to rely on your food supply and if you suddenly stop feeding some of the birds may starve.This is even more relevant during cold spells were natural food is scarce.

If feeding at regular times you will come to notice the birds waiting for their ‘dinner time’.

Feeding first thing in the morning is also a good idea as most birds will be hungry having roosted through a cold night and will need to replenish their energy levels.

Make sure all feeders and tables are cleaned regularly to prevent disease spreading.

Water is also very important to birds, so access to water through bowls or bird baths is essential for drinking and keeping feathers clean and in good condition  ( feathers in good condition help to keep birds warm and dry).

But most of all …..Enjoy watching the birds.