Your ultimate guide to attracting garden birds

Picture stepping out into your garden on a warm, sunny day and being greeted by the cheerful chirping of birds. Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it?

Birds are wonderful additions to any garden. They are not only great to watch, but they also play an essential role in maintaining biodiversity in our gardens.

From eating the grubs and insects that damage our lawns to ridding your lawn of weeds, these feathered visitors do more than you may think.

In this guide, we will explore why birds are not flocking to your garden, how you can attract them, and the common mistakes that may be keeping them away.

Why am I not getting birds in my garden?

Birds are attracted to spaces that provide the essentials: food, water, and safety.

Without these, birds are more likely to avoid your garden in favour of an outdoor space that does meet their needs.

However, do not worry; with a few simple changes, you can turn your garden into a bird-friendly oasis.

Here are a few things to consider if birds are not appearing in your garden:

• Lack of food sources. Birds enjoy feasting on a variety of foods, including berries from trees, worms from the soil, and seeds from plants. If your garden is limited on plants, a lawn, or shrubs, there will not be anything for birds to eat
• Nowhere to nest. Without hedges, trees, or birdhouses, any potential feathered visitors will struggle to find safe spaces to rest or build a nest
• Presence of predators. Cats, foxes, and larger predatory birds can deter common garden birds from visiting, particularly if there is no safe space to take cover
• Absence of water. Just like us, birds rely on fresh water for survival. They will use it for drinking and bathing, particularly during the warmer months
• Artificial grass or paving. If your garden has a lot of paving or artificial grass, then fewer birds will visit your garden. Green spaces and lush lawns provide the perfect natural foraging space for birds to feed on insects

What attracts birds the most?

One of the best ways to attract birds to your garden is by providing them with a variety of consistent food sources.

You can easily do this by installing a bird feeder or bird table in your garden.

Our versatile Birdseed Banquet Mix is packed with nutrients, designed to delight and attract a variety of birdlife throughout the year.

Suitable for both feeders and tables, it contains key ingredients like sunflower hearts, black sunflower seeds, and white and red millet, all of which are favourites among birds.

Other foods you could use to entice birds include:

• Suet balls. High-calorie balls of fat, which are ideal for providing birds with energy during the winter months  
• Niger seeds. These tiny seeds are full of essential oils, which provide your feathered friends with a great source of fat and protein
• Mealworms. Dried or live mealworms are another great protein source to add to your garden’s menu
• Peanuts. Unsalted peanuts contain fats, proteins, essential oils, and vitamins that support a bird’s optimal health
• Fruits. Chopped apples, pears, raisins, and berries contain natural sugars and are rich in antioxidants. Remember to chop the fruits into small pieces so they can easily be digested by birds

Do not be disheartened if birds do not instantly flock to your garden once you have created your very own garden restaurant with bird feeders and tables.

Once they are aware that food is readily available, it is highly likely they will visit and return to your garden again and again.

How to attract birds to your garden?

Now that you are aware of what attracts birds the most, it is time to look at some other ways you can bring them to your garden.

Although food plays a crucial role in ensuring these feathered creatures return to your outdoor space, they also need a safe and comfortable environment to feel at home.

Creating a bird-friendly garden is about more than putting out bird feed regularly; it’s about mimicking their natural habitat.

Here are a few more simple ways you can turn your yard into a sanctuary for birds:

1.Provide fresh water

Add a birdbath or a shallow bowl of water to your garden for birds to drink and bathe in.

If you are opting for a bowl of water, you must ensure it is no more than two inches deep.

Bathing is important for birds, especially in winter, as it helps them clean their feathers, which makes them easier to preen and supports insulation.

Place your water source in a shaded area where birds can keep a lookout for any potential predators that may be lurking.

It is important to regularly replace the water as often as you can to prevent bacteria and algae build-up.

2. Plant bird-friendly plants

You can mimic a bird’s natural habitat effectively by planting a variety of trees, plants, and shrubs that they will love.

These will provide a great nesting spot, and shelter, and act as a natural food source for your feathered visitors.

Here are some berry-rich trees and shrubs you may want to consider planting when trying to attract birds to your garden:

• Hawthorn
• Rowan
• Dog Rose
• Ivy
• Honeysuckle
• Elder
• Spindle
• Holly
• Silver Birch

In addition, you could also add a burst of colour to your garden by planting wildflowers.

Wildflowers are not only a lovely addition to any outdoor space, but they also attract insects that birds like to eat.

These insects include caterpillars, aphids, beetles, moths, and grasshoppers.

For a regular feast of insects, try our Annual & Perennial Wildflower Mix, expertly blended to produce vibrant blooms that are wildlife-friendly and appealing all year round.

3. Keep your lawn lush

Having a thick and dense lawn provides the perfect foraging ground for any garden birds who may be visiting.

Many varieties of birds, like blackbirds, starlings, and thrushes, rely on lawns to find insects, worms, and seeds, as they are ground-feeding birds.

Moreover, birds can be highly beneficial when it comes to removing lawn-damaging insects.

If you have spotted yellow or bare patches developing on your lawn, then it could indicate the presence of leatherjackets or grubs.

Good news! Birds love to feast on these insects and act as natural pest controllers, providing a safe and eco-friendly solution for your lawn.

If you are not sure where to start with your lawn, check out our range of blogs that provide a wealth of advice, whether you are starting from scratch or overseeding an existing lawn.

4. Wait before pruning

Pruning is an essential part of any gardener’s lawn care routine for encouraging new growth the following year.

However, before you act, you need to consider the effect it will have on your winged friends.

Trees, shrubs, and bushes may look nice, but they also provide food and shelter for birds.

Pruning too soon could mean you end up removing these essential resources birds rely on.

Ideally, you should prune before March or after July once the breeding season for most birds has ended.

5. Consider your feeder placement

Placing your bird feeders in the right location is an important factor to consider when trying to attract birds to your garden.

Ideally, you want to place them in a spot where birds will feel safe, comfortable, and can dine undisturbed.

Where you choose should also be:

• Quiet. Try to place your bird feeder in an area that has minimal foot traffic. Birds can be easily startled so loud noises will disturb them, causing them to fly away  
• Sheltered. Ensure your feeder is close to shelter to protect it from high winds. Harsh winds can cause feeders to sway, making it difficult for birds to get food
• Off the ground. Try to position your feeder approximately 5-6 feet off the ground, as this will allow birds to feed while protecting them from ground predators like cats.
• Near a water source. Placing your feeder next to a water source allows birds to easily access both when visiting, encouraging them to stay for longer
• Close to a window. Setting a feeder up near your window can be beneficial for a couple of reasons. For one, it allows you to observe any visiting birds easily, and it can reduce the risk of birds flying into the glass. We recommend placing your feeder approximately 3 feet away from your window

6. Keep cats away

Cats are much-loved pets, but they can also pose a serious threat to visiting garden birds.

It is estimated that 55 million birds fall prey to these natural-born hunters each year in the UK.

Whether you are a proud cat owner or are finding that your garden attracts some unwanted feline visitors, you may find it difficult to attract birds to your garden.

Fortunately, there are some safe and non-harmful ways to keep cats away from your bird feeders and prevent them from disturbing visiting birds.

These include:

• Ensuring feeders and bird baths are high off the ground and away from surfaces where cats can easily jump
• Avoiding placing baths and feeders near dense trees and bushes where cats can hide
• Creating a bark chipping border around designated areas for birds, as cats do not like rough textures
• Keeping your cat indoors during peak bird visiting times
• Attaching a bell to your cat’s collar, which can act as a warning sound to birds

Should you feed garden birds all year round?

Yes, if you want to attract birds to your garden regularly, then feeding them all year round is highly beneficial.

It can provide them with a consistent food source, particularly when natural food may be scarce.

Winter can be a particularly difficult month for birds to find food sources like insects, berries, and seeds, as often lawns and plants tend to go dormant.

Giving birds high-calorie and energy options like suet balls, sunflower seeds, and peanuts can help them maintain body heat.

In addition, feeding birds in spring and early summer helps them to raise their chicks as they can provide high-protein foods like mealworms to support their growth and development.

Common mistakes that keep birds away

It can be disappointing to make changes yet still find that birds are not visiting your garden as expected.

However, this could be due to a few simple mistakes that are discouraging birds from making themselves at home.

Here are some of the most common errors when trying to bring birds to your garden:

• Placing feeders in the wrong spot. Feeders in high-traffic, exposed, or noisy spots can make birds feel unsafe, preventing them from visiting your garden and feeding
• Not keeping your feeders clean. Old or spoilt food can create bacteria, causing birds to get sick
• Using the wrong type of food. Offering unsuitable or unappealing foods will not entice birds to visit your yard
• Not providing fresh water. If your garden does not offer fresh water, birds will visit somewhere else that is
• Consistent presence of predators. If predators like cats are frequently present in your garden, birds may avoid the area

Ready to create a bird-friendly space?

Birds can be highly beneficial to any garden and attracting them does not have to be difficult.

By understanding what birds need and making small changes, you can soon create a welcoming space that they will want to visit.

Start your garden’s transformation today by taking our quiz to be paired with your perfect bundle.