March Edition 2018

What birds visit your Garden?

Invest in a bird book, wall chart or visit birdwatchireland.ie to discover what species visit. In our garden we're very likely to see Robins, Wrens, Tits, Finches, Collard Doves, Sparrows. Crows frequently scared off the smaller birds so we stopped putting out dried stale bread and they no longer visit.

Variety

To encourage a wide range of birds include seeds, peanuts, mealworms, fat balls and suet cakes, kitchen scraps and even dried or fresh fruit to your feeding station.

Location, location, location!

To get the most benefit position the feeder where you can see them easily and where the birds have an unobstructed view to detect approaching predators.

You'll want to find a spot close enough that you don't need binoculars to see the comings and goings of the various species. The birds will be hungry and provided they feel safe they'll come in extremely close. Given time the birds will recognise you as a sign of food arriving and may accept your presence in the garden alongside them.

Although it may take a while for them to discover a new feeder they'll keep coming all year round.

Diets

Given the option we'd all chose high quality foods so don't just go for the cheapest. Although shelf price is a consideration wheat and corn are a cheap packet filler but are not suitable so choose a high quality wild bird seed mix to ensure they get the most out of their visits. If you see the birds scatter the feeder content on the floor it's usually because they're searching for the good stuff. Your bird feed investment is literally being thrown away so buy some decent food and don't waste money.

If this is happening with high quality seed mix then consider buying specific seeds held in a few feeders where the birds can pick and choose.

Food left in feeders in our wet climate goes moldy so top up with a little bit regularly . By feeding less and more often the feed will be fresh and the birds will get to know you as a regular garden visitor bringing them food.

Which feed?

Wild bird seed provides a great variety of nutrients for several species of birds but if the packet doesn't list the content it's best avoided.

• Peanuts fed from a mesh feeder are the most popular food for attracting wild birds. Large pieces will choke small birds so if you're feeding them from a table crush them up first.

• Sunflower seeds are highly desirable during colder months since they have high levels of essential oil which birds need for energy and warmth. These are especially popular with the tits and finches. Black sunflower seeds are more expensive but contain higher levels of oil and energy.

• Avoid bird seeds which contain a high wheat and corn content as this is hard for a bird to digest.

• Fat is a highly nutritious feed for birds since it keeps them healthy and warm. They're fairly easy to make yourself from fat poured over bread. Add in some seeds, crushed nuts, oatmeal, grated cheese, or dried fruits to make it more nutritious.

• Processed white bread is not ideal since it contains little nutrition or energy and dry bread will swell to fill their stomachs. Stale homemade seeded/granary/wholemeal bread that has been crumbed and moistened is ok. Mix in seeds and fat to make it a worthwhile diet.

• Fruit is popular and apples and grapes will attract song thrushes among others.

• Meat trimmings, bacon rinds and table scraps are also popular.

• Mealworms attract insect eating birds such as robins and blue tits.

Fat balls in nets are actually best avoided since the small birds can get their feet caught in the web.

Pets And More are our nearest Johnstown supplier of bird feeds and so we checked out what had to offer. We chose a store packed wild bird food mix having recognised some of the seeds content.

Since our feeder has been out for several months the birds flew overhead as soon as they saw us approaching the feeder. Within an hour an inch of seed was gone. Granted they do filter the content and throw out what they don't want but we have 2 collard doves and a few wrens who pick up any spilt seeds.

Clean

Just like we wash our dinner plates to avoid spreading bacteria and disease you should do the same for feeders and tables. Warm soapy water does the job and it can minimise that risk and ensure your garden birds stay fit and healthy.

If you move your feeding station around the garden regularly you'll avoid a build up of bird droppings in one place.

Drink

We think Ireland's climate is often wet but if birds need to search for a drink or a bath during hot summers or frozen winters then a water bath will further entice them to your garden.

Nesting

In early spring we should start to see a flurry of young birds visit our gardens. It's not too late to build or buy a nest box.

Different species prefer slightly different locations: a Robin will happily build a nest on the floor provided it's well hidden whereas tits and finches prefer small holed enclosures up high and easily visible.

We attended the Bee Wise Build a Bird Box Workshop in Early February. Our 8yr old quickly discovered how the parts went together and delighted in knocking in the nails to build his first bird box. After bringing it home and adding a bit of coloured paint it went into the garden. It might take a while to gain a nesting bird if they like where we've put it.

Unfortunately Bee Wise only held one bird box workshop so look out for it next February since the event was fully booked with dozens of children making bird boxes for their gardens.

Hopefully there will be other workshops and we'll happily return for Bird and even Bee Keeping activities. They also have a nature walk which we look forward to visiting when the weather improves.

Drop in to Pets And More in the Johnstown Shopping Centre for supplies such as feeders, fat balls and seed mixes. They'll offer advise on everything you need to do to attract wildlife to your garden.