Birds are nature’s pest controllers and they make your garden more beautiful and enjoyable – these are the three essential items that people who attract lots of birds to their garden always have
Gardens that attract beautiful birds will always have these 3 simple items(Image: Getty)
Birds are a gardener’s best friend, naturally controlling slugs, snails and various insects that threaten plants.
Beyond their practical benefits, birds bring life and beauty to outdoor spaces.
The melodic sound of birdsong enhances any moment spent relaxing on the grass or enjoying time with your pets.
While a thriving garden will naturally draw birds, there are several additions that make your outdoor space even more appealing to our feathered friends. Wildlife specialists have revealed the key elements that always feature in gardens bustling with birdlife.
Birdbaths
If you’re investing in just one item, make it a birdbath. Birds require access to fresh, clean water for both drinking and bathing purposes, reports the Express.
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, and 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 wholesome supply of bird feed that is free from harmful additives.
Danny Yeoman, wild bird expert for Pets Corner and developer of Peter & Paul Wild Bird Foods, noted: “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 flora, trees and shrubs. Specialists at the Woodland Trust highlight 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, all of which serve as excellent natural food sources while also offering much-needed shelter.
Seed-abundant plants are another “great choice”, with teasels and sunflowers being particularly beneficial.
Ivy and honeysuckle are equally favoured by birds — offering dense coverage, fruits, and a wealth of insects for birds to feed upon. Alternatively, consider sowing some wildflowers to “attract the insects that birds love to feed on”. In doing so, you can “supply birds with food while filling your garden with gorgeous flower displays”.
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