'Favourite foods' of garden birds - and how to stop squirrels from stealing them

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'Favourite foods' of garden birds - and how to stop squirrels from stealing them
The Royal Horticultural Society has unveiled popular foods for garden birds in Britain - here's what you need to know
Around 30 bird species are considered regular garden visitors in Britain
(Image: Jellybean49/Getty Images )
If you've gone the extra mile to beautify your garden this summer, it might be disappointing to see no birds settling there. But fear not. Specialists suggest you can turn your green space into a bird haven with a few simple additions.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) reports that more than 140 bird species have been observed in British gardens, but only 30 are considered regular visitors. It may surprise you to learn that each species has unique preferences, so understanding the snacks they can't resist is essential for making your garden more appealing.
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"Use different foods and recipes to entice a range of birds," experts at the RHS have explained online. "Although fat is important, particularly in winter, also provide a grain mix or nuts to maintain a balanced diet.
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"No-mess seed mixes are more expensive, but the inclusion of de-husked sunflower hearts means there is less waste and debris under the feeder. Inferior mixes are often padded out with lentils and wheat."
Many tit species favour insect cakes, according to experts
(Image: Getty Images )
"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 outlined the following key points:
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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
Beyond this, it's worth acknowledging that mealworms and seed mixes are popular snacks among various bird species. Placing these in an enclosed feeder with an outer cage is advised if you're keen to control what animals can reach the food, too.
For instance, if you leave the snacks on a traditional bird table, bigger birds like magpies will likely take dominance, potentially pushing smaller birds off. Squirrels are also infamous for hogging food and may even scare birds away.
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Although squirrels are clever and can sometimes break through the bars of 'anti-pest' enclosed feeders, you can limit this risk by positioning them away from overhanging branches and other means of easy access.
It's also believed that goldfinches especially enjoy niger seed
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto )
Jean Vernon, of Richard Jackson Garden, has also advised: "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.
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"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."
Meanwhile, experts at the RHS have 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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