Monty Don, the renowned presenter of BBC Gardeners' World, has issued a warning against adding one specific item to bird feeders: grain. According to Don, grain primarily attracts pigeons, sparrows, squirrels, and rats, rather than the desired garden birds. This advice comes as gardeners seek to balance attracting birds with deterring pests that can damage meticulously maintained gardens.
Why Grain Is Problematic
In an issue of Gardeners' World magazine, Don explained: "No grain as this primarily attracts pigeons, sparrows, squirrels and rats, and is rarely eaten by other birds." Rats and squirrels are known to cause considerable damage to gardens, undermining the hard work of dedicated gardeners. By avoiding grain, gardeners can reduce the likelihood of these unwanted visitors.
Monty Don's Recommended Bird Feeder Mix
Don has shared his own carefully crafted bird feeder mixture, which he keeps in a dustbin outside his back door at Longmeadow in Ivington, Herefordshire. The mix includes sunflower seeds and hearts, peanut pieces, suet pellets, dried mealworms, and nijer seed. This combination is designed to attract a variety of birds while minimizing the appeal to pests.
Best Placement for Bird Feeders
Don also revealed the ideal spot to position bird feeders, using his own garden as a reference. He hangs peanut feeders and fat and suet balls from the branches of a large fig tree in the corner of his backyard. Each morning, he sprinkles the seed mix onto logs and along the top of a stone wall backed by thick brambles. However, he warned gardeners to remain vigilant for sparrowhawks, which can swoop in and take small birds from the feeding area.
Seasonal Feeding Tips
Don has spoken about food scarcity during seasonal transitions, particularly from summer to winter. He noted that as the weather changes, birds greedily feed off seeds and berries in the garden, but these natural supplies are quickly depleted. Supplementing this natural supply helps birds and provides a fascinating opportunity to observe them. He emphasized that the food should be as calorific as possible, with seeds, nuts, and fat being best. Leftover pastry, bread, and rice are eaten quickly, and fruit is good, especially for blackbirds and thrushes.
