How to feed garden birds in winter

With food sources scarce, winter is not the easiest time of year for birds that don't migrate to warmer climates. Find out how you can help them.

Know who's who

Before preparing food for your garden birds, you should know what birds visit your garden. Different birds have different dietary requirements, so make sure you get the right food for your visitors! Common garden birds include robin, blue tit and great tit, starling, blackbird and many more. 

Recycle

Some of the leftovers from your kitchen will find grateful takers in the garden - think of fruit cake or mince pies, dried fruits, unsalted nuts or apples and pears. You can even put out some mild grated cheese to attract robins, wrens and dunnocks. 

Upside-down supper

Consider your garden birds' preferred way of feeding, too. Some feed on the ground or on a bird table and others from a hanging feeder - some like both! Especially the hanging feeders can make for a good entertainment, as some birds can pull artistic stunts to reach the food. Find out how different garden birds like to feed here.

Keep it clean

Whichever feeder you go for, make sure to keep up a good hygiene. Clean the feeders and the surrounding areas regularly to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. If possible, don't bring them into your house and always wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.

No ice, please!

Although they don't sweat, birds need to drink regularly to stay hydrated. They also need a bath, even in winter, to keep their plumage in good condition. So make sure that birdbath in your garden is clean and doesn't freeze up.  

The no-gos

Salty food can be poisonous to small birds. Also, avoid cooking fat or polyunsaturated fats like margarine and vegetable oil. Although Bread isn't harmful to birds it doesn't contain any nutritional value for them. Don't feed birds milk either, as it can upset their stomach seriously and cause digestive problems.