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Modern developments have disrupted animal habitats, especially those of birds. So, we owe them to make our gardens and sheds bird-friendly to aid our feathered friends. To get started, choose the right plants and offer water sources for the breeding season.
Such efforts go beyond tossing kitchen scraps. They are crucial, as harsh winter conditions can harm egg-laying birds. While hanging bird feeders seem helpful, they can sometimes hinder.
To support breeding birds effectively, we’ll share these best practices you can apply. Ready to make a difference in preserving bird populations?
1. Complete vegetation works by the end of winter
Completing vegetation works by the end of winter is vital for aiding breeding birds. These feathered creatures start their nesting season in early spring. Thus, timing is crucial. They rely on shrubs and trees for shelter and nesting sites.
Here’s what you can do: wrap up pruning, trimming, and major vegetation changes before winter ends. This ensures that birds have undisturbed breeding spots when they need them most. Schedule these tasks in late autumn and ready your tools from the wooden shed. Check for active nests before starting any work, and wait until chicks have fledged if you find one.
Delayed work can disturb nesting birds. This can potentially lead to nest abandonment or chick mortality. But by planning ahead and being mindful, you can foster a successful breeding.
2. Don’t clear up fallen leaves and twigs
Leaving fallen leaves and twigs in winter can be a lifeline for breeding birds. These elements create natural ground cover, offering warmth and refuge for birds like:
- sparrows
- wrens
- thrushes
They often utilise leaves and twigs for nest-building in early spring. Having these materials available means they can take advantage of them for breeding. So, instead of clearing everything, designate a small, undisturbed area in your garden. This will provide them a safe haven without compromising your garden’s overall look.
3. Choose plants that fruit in winter and spring
(Image Credit: Freerange Stock)
The right winter and spring fruiting plants can benefit birds. For one, they provide a vital food source when it’s scarce, especially during the wintertime. This aids their survival during the challenging colder months. Moreover, it ensures a good start to their breeding season.
Fruiting plants like berries and nuts can offer birds nourishment. They make a portion of good food when insects and seeds are insufficient. They attract a variety of bird species, enhancing your garden’s biodiversity, to add.
Also, consider planting holly, winterberry, viburnum, and cotoneaster. Ensure a mix of early and late fruiting plants for year-round sustenance. By doing so, you can make a significant contribution to bird welfare.
Top tip: A greenhouse offers an optimal environment for plant preparation and advanced cultivation.
4. Place feeders carefully until chicks reach maturity
An immediate idea to help birds survive and breed would be hanging a feeder or two in the garden. However, this technique can do more harm than good for vulnerable fledgelings.
An artificial food source placed outside the house can attract not only young birds. This also calls for predators like grey squirrels, reducing their chance of survival. These hunters can even then raid nearby nests as well.
If you still want to feed wild birds, you can provide vital, high-protein food sources for them in urban areas. However, make sure it is as far away as possible from potential nesting sites such as shrubbery and trees.
5. Leave out helpful materials
There’s another way to provide breeding birds with some materials to build their nests. Leave pieces of fibre, string and yarn in an accessible area in the garden. Make sure that they are no longer than a couple of inches so birds don’t get tangled. Hair clippings from humans or pets can also help birds build nests for their eggs. This makes their fledgelings’ homes warmer, in return. You can also leave some oven-dried and crumbled eggshells. It’s a clever trick to help female birds restore their lost calcium.
Birds utilise these materials to construct sturdy nests. That way, they can ensure the safety of their eggs and chicks. Top tip: Make sure hair and string pieces are clean and chemical-free. Crush and sprinkle eggshells near feeding areas; store the rest in shed storage afterwards. Hang material scraps in designated areas for birds to access.
6. Provide a consistent, clean water source
In urban environments, birds often struggle to locate dependable sources of clean water. As this is essential for their survival and breeding success, a simple bowl of water in your garden will do. You can ensure birds have access to hydration, especially during their nesting season.
This small effort is particularly significant in extreme weather conditions. For one, it helps birds stay cool on scorching days. Plus, it prevents them from searching for water under icy conditions. By maintaining a regular, clean water source, you contribute to their well-being.
7. Avoid any nests discovered
Discovering a bird’s nest in your garden can be exciting, but resist the urge to disturb it. Human presence can leave a strong scent trail that may attract predators like foxes. This can endanger the nest or its occupants.
To further protect bird habitats, take steps to discourage cats from climbing trees. Or prevent dogs from rummaging in the bushes. These simple measures can provide a secure environment for your little friends. At the same time, they can safeguard the delicate balance of nature.
8. Understand which common foodstuffs are best
Attracting birds to your garden is crucial for boosting wildlife numbers. To help these feathered creatures, you must know what foods are both appealing and safe for them.
- Baked goods can provide a valuable source of energy for birds, especially in cold weather. Consider stale bread, cakes, and cookies.
- While offering pasta and rice, ensure thorough washing to remove any oil or salt. For one, these can be harmful to birds. But overall, these grains can be nutritious and filling.
- Combining vegetables with sunflower seeds creates a balanced and nutritious bird meal.
- Pet food designed for dogs and cats can serve as a wholesome bird-feeding option. Most contain essential nutrients beneficial for birds.
By knowing what foods to feed, you can contribute to the thriving bird populations in your garden.
Round-up
Creating a bird-friendly garden is a rewarding endeavour for gardeners. Little did many know this is also a vital contribution to our ecosystem. By considering our tips, you can help them thrive during the winter months. This, in turn, aids in the reversal of declining wildlife populations. With a little effort and knowledge, we can all make a huge impact on the well-being of our avian companions. Overall, this fosters a healthier and more biodiverse environment for everyone to enjoy.
Feel free to use our guide on common birds UK to identify which little friends are visiting your garden. To enjoy bird watching, why consider using your garden shed or log cabin as your viewing spot?
Next on your reading list: Awesome Wildlife Garden Ideas
