Gardeners often aim to attract birds, but Monty Don has warned against a common bird feeder mistake that could lure rats and squirrels instead. The BBC Gardeners' World presenter advises against using grain in feeders, as it primarily attracts pigeons, sparrows, squirrels, and rats, and is rarely eaten by other birds, according to an issue of Gardeners' World magazine.
Monty Don's Recommended Bird Feeder Mix
Don recommends a homemade mix of sunflower seeds and hearts, peanut pieces, suet pellets, dried mealworms, and nijer seed, stored in a dustbin outside. He also suggests hanging peanut feeders and fat balls from a fig tree and sprinkling the seed mix on logs and stone walls backed by brambles, which provide cover for sparrowhawks.
Seasonal Considerations
Don notes that as weather changes, birds consume natural seeds and berries quickly, so supplementing with high-calorie foods like seeds, nuts, and fat helps them. Leftover pastry, bread, and rice are also eaten fast, and fruit is good for blackbirds and thrushes.
