Anyone wanting to attract stunning birds must have three simple items in their garden, according to wildlife experts. Birds rank among a gardener's greatest allies, as they help control slugs, snails, and other insects that can damage your plants. Beyond that, birds bring added interest and beauty to gardens, both visually and experientially.
The sound of birdsong enhances the pleasure of relaxing on your lawn or spending time with your family, friends and pets outdoors. A thriving garden will naturally draw birds in, but there are several additions you can make to transform your outdoor space into an avian haven.
Wildlife specialists have revealed the key features that gardens, which attract plenty of birds, always seem to have.
Birdbaths
If there's one essential item, it's a birdbath. Birds require access to fresh, clean water for both drinking and bathing. James Ewens, gardening and wildlife expert from Green Feathers, told Ideal Home: "Birds need their water just as much as humans do, to hydrate and bathe. It's crucial that birds are given a continuous supply. Water is an all-year-round priority."
Birds need water to carry out their internal functions, metabolic processes, thermoregulation, hydration, but also to maintain their feathers. When bathing, not only do feathers get cleansed of dirt and debris, but water also distributes their natural oil to insulate their feathers and make them waterproof. "Water keeps feathers tip-top for flight, insulation, and warmth – it's fascinating – so a regular water supply will lure them into your garden."
Quality bird feed
Alongside water, birds require a reliable and nourishing supply of bird feed that's free from harmful additives. Danny Yeoman, wild bird expert for Pets Corner and developer of Peter & Paul Wild Bird Foods, pointed out: "The foundation of any bird-friendly garden is a decent-quality seed mix. Sadly, many cheaper mixes are bulked out with wheat and oats – ingredients that pigeons can manage, but which most garden birds simply can't eat."
A proper ground-bird mix should contain an insect protein component alongside fruit and berry inclusions. This closely matches what these birds would naturally forage for and supports them year-round.
Add bird-friendly plants
Transform your back garden into a haven for birds by introducing a diverse range of bird-friendly plants, trees, and shrubs. Experts at Woodland Trust have highlighted that these will "help to provide shelter and nesting sites, as well as a natural food source". They suggest planting berry-laden trees and shrubs such as rowan, hawthorn, guelder rose and holly, which all serve as excellent natural food sources while also offering shelter.
Plants abundant in seeds represent another "great choice", including varieties like teasels or sunflowers. Ivy and honeysuckle prove particularly popular amongst birds — they offer dense cover, fruits and draw in insects for birds to feed upon. An alternative approach is to cultivate some wildflowers to "attract the insects that birds love to feed on". This way, you can "supply birds with food while filling your garden with gorgeous flower displays".
