Aroundtown Magazine January/February 2024 edition

HOME & GARDEN
Robin
Ahead of the 2024 event,
here are some simple ways to
attract birds to your garden.
Put up feeders
Not only will that make them stay for longer,
but feed them regularly means birds learn that
your garden is a great place to keep coming to.
Different feeders and food will attract a variety
of birds so feel free to experiment and see who
comes to visit.
Where to put bird feeders and
tables
You can put your bird feeder in all sorts of
places, but aim for somewhere quiet, safe and
sheltered from winds – not too close to bushes
where predators could hide in wait. Birds like to
have a view all around them while feeding, and
make sure you can see it when you’re indoors.
Great Tit
What to feed birds
Winter is a time when natural food shortages
could occur and so put out foods that can help the
birds during this time.
• Blackbirds mostly feed on the ground and
will eat a broad range of foods, from fatty nibbles
to mealworms.
• Blue Tits and Great Tits use both a feeder
and a bird table, eating seeds as well as suet
and peanuts.
• Finches, including Chaffinches and
Greenfinches, also use both a feeder and a bird
table, and they love sunflower hearts.
• Look for good quality bird food – those that
don’t include ‘fillers’ such as dried peas and beans
that birds rarely eat.
• You can put out leftovers such as dried fruit, or
fruit such as apples and pears. Don’t use anything
mouldy or salty though, and if you have a dog
don’t put out dried fruit such as raisins as these
can be toxic to them.
Greenfinch
Chaffinch
Remember the water
Birds need a drink too. But you don’t need a
traditional bird bath; any shallow plate or bowl will
do, as will a large plant pot tray. Put fresh water
out every day and pour warm water onto any ice
that forms in the winter.
Keep it clean
It’s very important to keep bird feeders, tables
and baths clean to stop a build-up of bacteria and
viruses that can spread diseases and infections
among garden birds. Clean them weekly using a
dedicated strong, long bristled brush and some
warm soapy water or mild, non-toxic disinfectant.
Make sure the feeder is thoroughly dry before
refilling it with food.
Blackbird
For your free Big Garden Birdwatch
guide, which includes a bird identification
chart, top tips for your birdwatch, RSPB
shop voucher, plus advice on how to help
you attract wildlife to your garden, text
BIRD to 70030 or visit
www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 73