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GARDENACTION Top Job
GARDENACTION TOP JOB Bird Wildlife in the Garden Bird Types
Feeding Birds Place the food on a bird table (see January
mini-project 1 for a simple example) or suspended from a tree or shrub. Make sure the local cat cannot reach it
in a hurry! Water For Birds
(bird wildlife in your garden)
Wildlife, principally birds, is more varied in December and January than in many other months.
The shortage of natural foods forces them to go further afield. Once
they discover food in your garden, they are likely to return on a daily
basis. Try and keep the supply regular, because birds will come to rely on it.
The main types of birds to be seen include blue tits, great tits, thrushes,
blackbirds, wood pigeons and sparrows.
Bird food can be bought at your garden centre or do-it-yourself store - they are cheap
and last a long time. Alternatively, food scraps which are high in
carbohydrate will give them a varied diet. Avoid any salty food (for
example bacon) which will damage many birds. Nuts, bread, coconut and
vegetables are all ideal. Click
here for a full list of which birds prefer which food.
Birds also need water, and freezing temperatures in January make it difficult for
them to find natural supplies. Place an old saucer or bowl where it is
naturally warmer than normal (near the walls of the house is ideal) and
the water will be less likely to freeze over. Once again though, beware
the local cat.