Last week, we shared ideas on how to attract and support birds and other wildlife visiting your garden.
We also mentioned that if you are planning to feed your visitors or to add nesting boxes to your garden, you may want to cater for birds’ specific needs and preferences.
“But I don’t know which types of birds are visiting my garden,” I hear you cry. Here’s our helpful guide to some of the most common birds you might spot in your garden.
As I mentioned before, to ensure you buy the right nesting boxes and feed, and that you are providing the correct mix during different seasons, visit the RSPB’s website for more details.
They say that birds require high-energy (high-fat) foods during the cold winter weather to maintain their fat reserves to survive the frosty nights.
Use only good-quality food and scraps.
Always adjust the quantity given to the demand, and never allow uneaten foods to accumulate around the feeders.
Once you establish a feeding routine, try not to change it as the birds will become used to it and time their visits to your garden accordingly.
In severe weather, such as this week when the ground has been frozen,the RSPB recommends that you feed twice daily if you can: in the morning and in the early afternoon.
The charity also sells a range of safe bird food via its website, rspb.org.uk
Here are 20 of the most common birds you might spot in your garden.
If, like us, you come across others too (we have a pair of Red Kites and have spotted several Owls over time) fantastic.
- Robin
- Great Tit
- Blue Tit
- Long Tailed Tit
- Goldfinch
- Chaffinch
- Goldfinch
- Bullfinch
- Jackdaw
- Blackbird
- Crow
- Starling
- Sparrow
- Magpie
- Wood Pigeon
- Collared Dove
- Jay
- Wren
- Song Thrush
- Dunnock
Do let us know how what you’ve added or who’s been visiting and share any photos via our Facebook page.