1
Keep feeders stocked and high-energy
Offer high-energy food — fat balls, peanuts, sunflower hearts and suet — which birds burn fast to stay warm. Feed every day if you can, because birds come to rely on a regular supply through the toughest weeks.
Wildlife5 min read
Feeding and helping garden birds in winter
Winter is the hardest season for birds. Here's how to keep them fed, watered and safe through the cold months.
Created by jflgardens.co.uk
In winter, natural food runs short and birds need every ounce of energy just to stay warm. A few minutes of your day at a feeder can make the difference, and in return you get a garden full of life and song at the bleakest time of year.
2
Give them fresh water daily
Birds still need to drink and bathe in winter. Keep a shallow bowl or bird bath topped up, and if it freezes, gently replace the ice with fresh water each morning — never use salt or antifreeze.
3
Protect them from predators
Position feeders where birds can see danger coming and dart into a nearby hedge or shrub. Keep feeders away from glass windows where birds can collide, and check them regularly so the birds feel safe enough to visit.
4
Clean feeders and look after the long-term
Wash feeders and baths regularly to stop disease spreading, and keep the feeder area tidy. Planting winter berries, seed heads and dense evergreens gives birds natural shelter and food that lasts long after winter ends.
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