How to attract finches, goldfinches and starlings with their favourite foods
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) reports that over 140 bird species have been observed in British gardens, but only 30 are considered regular visitors.
If you've put extra effort into making your garden beautiful this summer, it can be disappointing to see no birds making it their home. However, there's hope. Experts suggest you can transform your green space into a bird sanctuary by adding just a few simple features.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) reveals that more than 140 bird species have been spotted in British gardens, but only 30 are regular guests. It might come as a surprise that each species has its own unique preferences, so getting to grips with their favourite treats is key to making your garden more attractive.
"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.
"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."
While there are numerous preferences to bear in mind, specialists highlighted the following key points:
- 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
- Finches favour berry cakes
- Goldfinches favour niger seed
- Starlings favour peanut cakes
- Tits favour insect cakes
Moreover, it's important to recognise that mealworms and seed mixes are favoured snacks for many bird species. If you want to limit which animals can access the food, consider using an enclosed feeder with a protective outer cage.
Leaving out food on a standard bird table may result in larger birds, such as magpies, commandeering the space, often to the detriment of their smaller counterparts. Squirrels are also notorious for stealing food and may even scare birds away.
READ MORE: Daydreaming and talking to passengers are biggest causes of driving mistakes
READ MORE: Dog expert breeds match your personality
READ MORE: Tremors and 'spontaneous Parkinsonism' often linked to one dementia type
While squirrels are smart and may occasionally squeeze through the bars of 'anti-pest' feeders, you can reduce this risk by placing them away from overhanging branches and other easy access points.
Jean Vernon, of Richard Jackson Garden, has also recommended: "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."
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."
