Great Tit, Parus major, single bird on water, Warwickshire
Birds’ nutritional needs vary throughout the year, influenced by factors such as breeding, moulting, and migration. By adapting your feeding practices seasonally, you can provide optimal support for your garden birds all year round.
1. Spring (March-May):
- Offer protein-rich foods like mealworms and sunflower hearts for breeding birds.
- Provide calcium sources such as crushed eggshells for egg production.
- Continue offering seeds and suet to support birds during unpredictable weather.
2. Summer (June-August):
- Reduce the amount of food offered as natural food sources become more abundant.
- Provide fresh water for drinking and bathing, especially during hot spells.
- Offer fruit and berries for species like blackbirds and thrushes.
3. Autumn (September-November):
- Gradually increase food quantities as natural sources diminish.
- Offer high-energy foods like sunflower seeds and peanuts to help birds build fat reserves.
- Continue providing fruit for migrating birds passing through your garden.
4. Winter (December-February):
- Offer maximum food variety and quantity to support birds through harsh weather.
- Provide high-fat foods like suet balls and fat cakes for extra energy.
- Ensure a consistent food supply, as birds will come to rely on your offerings.
5. Year-round considerations:
- Always provide fresh water, changing it regularly and preventing it from freezing in winter.
- Clean feeders and birdbaths regularly to prevent the spread of diseases.
- Offer a variety of foods to attract different species and meet diverse nutritional needs.
By adapting your feeding strategy throughout the year, you can ensure that your garden remains a reliable source of nutrition for resident and visiting birds alike. This approach not only supports bird populations but also allows you to observe a wider variety of species as they visit your garden in different seasons.