How to attract birds to your garden

By following David Domoney's simple hints and tips you can turn your garden into a haven for birds. Find out how to set up bird tables and feeders as well as providing the perfect nesting opportunities.

Where to position bird tables and feeders

The two things you should bear in mind when positioning your bird feeders and bird tables are:
1) keep them close to cover so that birds can escape from sparrowhawks
2) keep them high off the ground so cats can't pounce.

What to feed the birds

Provide a variety of foods to attract a variety of birds - different seeds, fat, fruit and live food if possible. Larger nuts such as peanuts will attract bigger birds whilst smaller seeds will encourage smaller birds into your garden.
Don't put out salty or desiccated foods from the kitchen as these are not good for the birds.

Regular cleaning is essential

In the same way that you would want to eat off a clean plate, clean and disinfect bird tables and feeders regularly to reduce the risk from diseases. Remember to wash your hands after feeding birds and cleaning feeders.

Positioning food on the ground

It can be fun to feed birds on the ground, putting out bird food or kitchen scraps. It's great for the birds and makes excellent viewing for you in the home but make sure you put out the food away from ground cover to reduce the risk of cats getting the birds.

Where to site the nestboxes

The siting of your nestbox is very important. The opening must not face the prevailing weather conditions, it must be high off the ground and firmly attached to the tree or post.

Attracting nesters

Providing a range of nestboxes will give nesting sites for different types of birds. Hole nesters will appeal to birds such as sparrows, open-fronted boxes will attract robins and wrens and nestboxes with larger holes will entice the larger birds to nest in your garden.

You can provide nesting materials

Give the birds a helping hand and entice them into your garden by providing them with nesting materials such as feathers from an old pillow or duvet or rake moss up from your lawn.