Help the birds in your garden this winter
Feeding garden birds in winter is essential to help them survive the colder months when food is scarce. Here are some tips for feeding birds during winter:
Offer High-Energy Foods
Suet and Lard: Suet cakes and fat balls provide high-energy fats and are especially beneficial during the colder months.
Peanuts: Unsalted peanuts are great for birds. Make sure they’re in a mesh feeder to prevent choking hazards.
Sunflower Hearts: These are a bird favourite and attract a wide variety of species.
Mixed Seeds: A good seed mix, with a variety of seeds, will attract many types of birds.
Mealworms: Dried mealworms are a high-protein snack loved by robins, blackbirds, and blue tits.
Feeders
Tube Feeders: For small seeds like sunflower hearts.
Tray Feeders: Great for seed mixes or mealworms.
Mesh Peanut Feeders: For peanuts.
Suet Feeders: For hanging suet cakes and fat balls.
Fresh Water
Birds need fresh water for drinking and bathing, even in winter. Ensure your birdbath doesn’t freeze over.
Shelter
Provide hedges, shrubs, or trees where birds can take shelter from the cold and predators.