Provide a safe haven for birds this winter

Get started with these quick tips

By Annette J Beveridge

The autumn and winter months are wonderful for birdwatchers. It is possible to see so much more and to have clear views into tree canopies where birds are much more visible.

While this is great for birdwatchers, it is a difficult time of the year for birds.

Irrespective of where you live, you can turn your garden, however small, into a wonderfully safe haven for a variety of birds. Even if you only have room for a window feeder on a patio, the birds will come.

If you have more space, you can also set aside an area of the garden for wildlife.

A safe spot

Adding a bird box (or several) into the garden will enable some birds to roost safely, keeping them warm and protected during the cold nights. It is a good idea to put boxes up sooner than later …1. To let the birds become used to them and 2. to let them use it for roosting.

Lots of birds snuggle together during the cold months and a bird box will be ideal.

If you do not currently feed your birds, you may have to wait a while for the birds to come. Be patient.

A blank canvas

You're probably not going to attract many birds if your garden is completely barren either. New-build houses and gardens do not offer much to nature so it is up to you to provide them with the right environment.

This is a fun time because you will literally bring your garden to life.

If you take a little time to locate shrubs and trees that will suit your garden, this will provide natural habitat protection and encourage birds. Check that your soil is suitable and that if you are choosing shrubs and trees, they are the right size for your garden.

Add bird friendly plants which produce fruit or berries and you could attract thrushes or the much loved overwintering waxwings.

A water source

Birds need water. A pond feature is ideal, it doesn't have to be deep or have fish, natural ponds will have an abundance of life within them and a whole ecosystem for you to study.

Ensure the pond has shallow sides so that animals can get out if they fall in.

.If you prefer not to have a pond, invest in a a bird bath and keep it topped up with water. Birds need to conserve their energy levels during the winter months and so having everything on tap nearby is perfect for them.

Feeding the birds

Food is another essential. Variety is all important during the winter months, and although the type of food you will put out will depend very much on the birds that visit, seeds, nuts and fat cakes are always welcome. Birds are looking for high fat foods and protein.

On a personal level, I have different feeders set up to attract different birds and they are in different locations in the garden.

Aside from the ground feeding birds, try to place feeders in safe places where there is cover nearby in case of predators.

If you have trees in your garden, try to rub a little fat into the crevices of the bark. This should be on a low to medium height for wrens, and higher up for goldcrests.

Another idea is to build a log pile. This will attract birds like the wren who will happily forage for insects.  

The ideal gardener

Try to think of your garden as a self sustaining ecosystem. By growing the right plants and trees, you can attract a variety of wildlife into the garden….bees, moths and butterflies etc.

If setting up the garden for the first time, a bare patch can be daunting. Try to think about plants and flowers for all seasons and keep in mind what you are trying to achieve. In addition to shrubs or trees, consider ivy or other climbers.

Robins will often nest in ivy covered areas.

Try not to be too tidy in the garden. It may be tempting to have everything just perfect but nature doesn't need manicured lawns.

Set aside some wild areas and even leave edges of the lawn to grow a little longer. Cut a pathway through the lawn and leave the edges a little wild.

You may be amazed by the wildflowers that suddenly appear leading into the spring and summer months. You can of course sow some wildflower seeds and this will encourage important pollinators into the garden.

A year of interest

Getting out and about in the garden will be so much more interesting if you start to get to know the birds that come to your feeders.

As the seasons change, you will see different birds coming to the garden and much more wildlife. Watching nature can be addictive but forging a greater connection with wildlife is so important and satisfying.

Robins are naturally curious birds and if when you are digging or pruning, you may spot one nearby watching with intent just in case you disturb a juicy morsel. Robins can become quite tame even feeding close by or from your hand during the coldest months .

When you provide a safe haven for birds, know that you are doing something worthwhile. Birds need our help and some are really struggling right now. A safe haven will give them a fighting chance.