UK garden birds' favourite foods and how to stop 'greedy' squirrels
If you're hoping to attract more birds to your garden, it's worth knowing that different species have different tastes
If you've gone above and beyond to spruce up your garden this summer, it might be a bit disheartening to see no birds making themselves at home. But don't fret. Experts suggest that with a few simple additions, you can transform your green space into a bird paradise.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) reveals that over 140 bird species have been spotted in British gardens, but only 30 are considered regular visitors. It might surprise you to know that each species has unique preferences, so understanding the treats they can't resist is crucial for making your garden more attractive, reports Wales Online.
"Use different foods and recipes to attract a variety of birds," RHS experts have advised online. "Although fat is important, especially in winter, also provide a grain mix or nuts to maintain a balanced diet.
"No-mess seed mixes are pricier, but the inclusion of de-husked sunflower hearts means there's less waste and debris under the feeder. Inferior mixes are often padded out with lentils and wheat. Many birds have 'favourite' foods, so choosing certain types can affect what you see feeding in the garden."
While there are countless preferences to consider, specialists highlighted the following key points:
Finches favour berry cakes
Goldfinches favour niger seed
Starlings favour peanut cakes
Tits favour insect cakes
Blackbirds and thrushes favour over-ripe apples, raisins and other fruits
Nuthatches, sparrows and finches favour sunflower heads
Wrens and small birds favour chopped animal fat and grated cheese
In addition to this, it's worth noting that mealworms and seed mixes are popular snacks among various bird species. If you're eager to control which animals can access the food, placing these in an enclosed feeder with an outer cage is recommended.
If you leave treats on a standard bird table, bigger birds like magpies could dominate the space, potentially pushing smaller birds aside. Squirrels, notorious for monopolising food, might scare off the birds, too. Despite their cunning nature and occasional success in breaching 'anti-pest' enclosed feeders, you can reduce this risk by placing them far from overhanging branches and other simple access routes.
Jean Vernon from Richard Jackson Garden said: "Squirrels are rather partial to a lot of things in our gardens, especially the bird food. But they will also dig up tulip bulbs and eat them. They love apples, squash and sweet corn and collect masses of acorns, conkers and nuts.
"Why not feed the squirrels with a special feeder full of hazelnuts, then you get the best of both worlds, you can watch the birds and the squirrels too." RHS specialists added: "A good population of birds in the garden is part of a healthy garden ecosystem, helping to keep caterpillars and aphids in check, which can damage garden plants."
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