Caring for Birds in Autumn
The days are shorter, leaves are turning orange, and temperatures drop… it can mean only one thing: Autumn has arrived.
For some migrating birds, this season marks the beginning of long journeys as they head to warmer climates. For our other feathered friends, it’s about preparing for the cold ahead.
Whether you have a garden or a balcony, Autumn is the perfect time to give popular garden birds a helping hand, and we've got all of the information on what to feed garden birds and other ways to help them below.
How You Can Help Birds in Your Autumn Garden
Provide the Right Bird Food
As the weather changes, so does the diet of many birds. Insect numbers fall, so many birds eat seeds, berries, and rely on vital food from garden feeders to get all of the energy they need.
During the colder months, birds benefit from energy rich food, such as sunflower seeds, peanuts, mealworms, and suet in our garden bird feeders. Feeding birds these types of foods helps them build up their fat reserves, allowing them to survive the cold winter months. You can also opt for bird feed mixes that are made for certain seasons.
Both dried and fresh fruit also provide birds with the nutrients they need. Apples and pears are very popular with garden birds. If you do choose to feed birds, spare fruit that you might have; this can act as extra food for them. Make sure it's fresh, as mouldy fruit isn't good for birds. Dried fruits, like Raisins, are also well-loved by some bird species. (Just remember to be careful and avoid if you have a dog, as raisins are toxic to dogs)"
Remember, keep the feeder and bird table clean to prevent disease, especially as more birds gather in autumn. If it's wet, remove any leftover food and replace it with fresh food.
Keep Water in Bird Baths
If you’re providing food, it’s essential that you provide a reliable source of fresh water too. Birds will use this for drinking and bathing, even in the cooler months. This can be placed in a shallow dish, bird bath, or saucer.
When it gets really cold, add an ‘icebreaker’ (something that floats like a ping pong ball), as this will help to stop the water from freezing.
Grow or Protect Natural Food Sources
During this change in season, birds tend to rely on natural sources of food, like berries. So it’s best to leave berry bushes like hawthorn, ivy, and holly for natural foraging.
If you have any seed heads (sunflowers, teasel, or lavender), leave these to stand, as finches love eating them!
If you can, avoid trimming hedges until late winter, as this can destroy food sources and shelter for wild birds.
Offer Clean Nest Boxes as Shelter
Bird boxes are for more than just spring nesting season; a lot of local wildlife and garden visitors will roost in them as the nights get colder. Make sure they are cleaned out and in perfect spots so that birds can use them!
If you can, leave shrubs, ivy, and hedges as dense as possible, as they provide valuable cover for young birds when the weather gets harsh.
