When the days grow short and frosty, food becomes scarce for many garden birds. A few thoughtful steps can transform your garden into a safe haven where they can find food, water, and warmth throughout the winter.
Best Foods to Feed Winter Birds
During the colder months, birds need high-energy food to stay warm and active. Opt for peanuts, suet blocks and sunflower seeds to provide the fat and protein birds need.
Rotate different types of feeders to attract various species.
Pro tip: Keep feeders topped up and brush away any snow or ice so food stays dry and accessible.
Keep Water Flowing
Birds need water not just for drinking but for cleaning their feathers, even in winter.
When the big freeze hits, try and keep your bird bath ice-free and topped up with fresh, clean water.
Place your bath in a sunny, sheltered spot to reduce freezing time and make it safer for birds to visit.
Provide Shelter and Safety
Shelter is just as important as food. Birds rely on dense shrubs, evergreens, and nesting boxes to stay out of the wind and away from predators.
Leave hedges and shrubs untrimmed until spring. Add nesting boxes for extra protection, especially for small birds like wrens and robins.
Avoid cleaning out all fallen leaves; small birds forage for insects in the leaf litter.
