Caring for our wild birds
|
Helping our bird populations flourish Birds are the most visible wildlife we see and hear them on a daily basis but many species are in decline and 30% of our native birds are on the verge of extinction in the UK. Their most basic needs are the same as ours, are food, water and safe places to shelter and nest. Providing food for native birds
Birds need our help all year round, but especially in winter when food is scarce and between March and June due to the increase in chicks at this time. Most birds prefer to feed from a hanging feeder. But Robins, Blackbirds, Thrushes and Wrens prefer to eat from a bird table or from the ground. Wild birds are cautious and prefer to take cover in foliage before flying to the bird feeder. What food? Most birds will eat most wild bird food you put out for them. But just like us, some breeds have different food preferences.
Check your bird feeders regularly. If your feeders are not empty within 10 days, lower the amount of food in the feeders to attract more birds to them. Wild birds don't like to feed from seeds which are wet and damp. By not over filling the feeders, you will keep the food fresh & encourage more birds to them. If your feeders are empty in less than 10 days, then you are succeeding! We would advise introducing more feeders around your garden to deal with the feeding demand! Don't be tempted to over fill them. |
4B's NATURE GROUP WINTER SURVEY 56 species of bird were spotted and reported in the 2023-24 Survey by members of the Nature Group. We will conduct the survey again in December, Jan and Feb 2024-25. If you spot any other birds in the 4B area please let us know [email protected] BIRDS SPOTTED Robin, Blue Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Great Tit, Marsh Tit, Sparrow, Dunnock, Grey Wagtail, Wood Pigeon, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Magpie, Jackdaw, male and female Pheasants, Red-legged Partridge, Dove, Collared Dove, Jay, Starling, Thrush, Wren, Nuthatch, Goldfinch, Blackbird, Goldcrest, Firecrest, Fieldfare, Raven, Carrion Crow, Rook, Bullfinch, Redwing, Hobby, Common Whitethroat, Common Linnet, Chiffchaff, Woodcock, Blackcap, Skylark, Parakeet.
Birds of prey - Kestral, Sparrowhawk, Red Kite, Buzzard, Peregrine (falcon), Hobby (falcon), Barn Owl, Tawny Owl, Water birds - Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Canada Geese, Heron, Egyptian Geese, Swan |
An excellent tutorial on feeding wild birds
Bird Feeders & Feeding
Making a bird feeding station
Bird shelters