Wild Birds

There is nothing like waking up to a chorus of birds in full song in the morning. Unfortunately it is becoming a rare event in today's Ireland. Here we will give you some basic tips to attract some wild birds back into your garden.

wild birds
Caring for wild birds

Why should we feed wild birds in our garden? For the simple reason 'we owe them'. Every year a little more habitat that our native and visiting birds called home is destroyed through development. Most housing estates, retail parks, roads, apartment blocks etc is built on land that once contained a source of food and shelter for birds. The over use of pesticides reduced and contaminated their food source. Modern farming practises also led to declining habitats, though in recent years, increased awareness has led to improvements. So the least we can do is supply them with a little food to help them survive. And if that doesn't convince you than just try it for the shear pleasure! In these mind numbing days of the X-Factor, Strictly Come Dancing and I'm a celebrity, just watch the birds feeding in your garden for some of the best and most uplifting reality entertainment you can find without leaving your home!

Looking after the birds in your backyard is simple, rewarding and great fun for kids. It is not expensive and requires little time. Here we will show you how you can help and attract more wildlife to your garden.

When should I feed the birds?

Birds like us, require food all year round. During the winter months when it is cold they require high energy (high fat) foods to keep up their fat reserves to help them through the frosty nights. During the summer months they require high protein foods. Avoid fats completely. They require a fresh supply of water all year round.

What should I feed the birds?
  • Seeds: when choosing a packet of mixed wild bird seed check the back of the packet to see what's in it. Many of the cheaper brands contain lots of wheat or corn which will not attract many birds as they find it hard to digest. Black sunflower seed is a great food for wild birds as it is extremely nutritious, being high in oils and energy values.
  • Nuts: Peanuts are hands down the most popular food for feeding garden birds. Always buy quality peanuts as mouldy ones can kill birds. During the spring and summer always put the peanuts in a mesh feeder as whole peanuts can be harmful to young birds.
  • Fat: Fat balls are great way to help the birds during the winter months. These can be bought or made at home. Using an old yoghurt can as a mould pour some melted fat over bread and add in some seeds, dried fruit and oatmeal.
  • Fruit: How come so many of us never think to give the birds some fruit! You don't even need a fancy feeder, just cut a pear or apple in half and place it on the ground. Blackbirds and Thrushes will love it. Even grapes will be snapped up! For something a little different, cut a coconut in half and hang it from a tree.
Where should I feed the birds?

Try not to place the food in an overly exposed site; the birds may be in danger from sparrowhawks. It is best to have some nearby cover such as trees or hedges. Bird tables are handy and decorative. These are great for hanging seed and peanut dispensers. Many birds also like to feed from the ground, but don't over do it, all you want to do is feed the birds not attract other less attractive wildlife!

All our garden centres now have well stocked Wild Bird Centres stocking an extensive range of feeds and accessories for your backyard birds.
Plants to attract wild birds

We wouldn’t be much of a garden centre if we couldn’t recommend some plants for your garden to help our friends! Many birds are great at helping to control many garden pests such as caterpillars, slugs and greenfly, so it pays to attract them to your garden. Here is a list of some recommended plants.

  • Hawthorn
    Through the REPS scheme many new hedgerows of hawthorn have being planted around farms, but they also add a great splash of colour to country gardens in spring with their magnificent blooms. Birds such as Blackbirds love the berries.
  • Crab Apple
    A great tree for smaller gardens. Flowers that appear in early summer develop into small fruits in the autumn. And if thee birds don’t eat them all you can make a delicious jelly from them!
  • Cotoneasters
    These range from groundcover shrubs to trees but nearly all produce masses of red berries that the birds love.
  • Firethorn (Pyracantha)
    A versatile plant that can be grown as a shrub a hedge or climber against a wall. This tough evergreen shrub produces white flowers in summer followed by either red, orange or yellow berries in the autumn depending on the variety.
  • Mountain Ash
    Another great tree for gardens, these produce white flowers in summer followed by red berries in autumn.
There are lots of other plants available, so if you want to create a wildlife friendly garden why not call into any of our garden centres for some free and friendly advice.