When is the best time to put food out for the birds?

When Is the Best Time to Feed Wild Birds?

Feeding wild birds is a wonderful way to connect with nature and support your local wildlife, especially here in the UK where our feathered friends brighten up even the greyest of days. But when is the best time to provide food for birds? The short answer is: all year round. However, different seasons come with unique needs and challenges for birds. Here’s a guide to help you understand when and why feeding wild birds is important.

Winter: A Lifeline in the Cold

Winter is often considered the most crucial time to feed wild birds. During these colder months, natural food sources like insects, seeds, and berries become scarce. Short daylight hours mean less time for foraging, making the energy provided by bird feeders vital for their survival.

What to offer:

  • High-energy foods like our suet pellets and balls, sunflower hearts, and mealworms are perfect for sustaining birds through the cold nights.
  • Fat balls and high-energy seed mixes can help birds stay warm and active.

Pro tip: Ensure that food is replenished regularly, and feeders are cleaned to prevent the spread of diseases.

Spring: Supporting Breeding Birds

Spring marks the start of the breeding season, a demanding time for birds as they build nests, lay eggs, and feed their young. While natural food becomes more available, supplementary feeding can make a huge difference to their success.

What to offer:

  • Protein-rich foods such as mealworms and soft fruits are ideal for nesting birds.
  • Avoid offering large chunks of bread, as these can be a choking hazard for chicks. We recommend our peanut grains

Pro tip: Place food in quieter areas to minimize stress for birds with young families.

Summer: Hydration and Energy

While summer may seem like a time when birds have plenty to eat, hot and dry weather can reduce the availability of insects and natural water sources. Your garden can become a sanctuary for thirsty and hungry birds.

What to offer:

  • Fresh water is essential, so keep birdbaths clean and filled.
  • Seeds, grains, and occasional mealworms can supplement natural diets.

Pro tip: Monitor feeders to ensure food doesn’t spoil in the heat.

Autumn: Preparing for Migration and Winter

In autumn, many birds prepare for migration, while others are building up fat reserves to survive the winter ahead. This season is also when hedgerows and trees produce natural food, but it’s still a great time to support your feathered visitors.

What to offer:

  • Fat-rich foods and high-calorie seeds are great for migratory birds such as sunhearts and pellets
  • Mixed seed blends such as All Seasons or Supreme can also help non-migratory species stock up on energy.

Pro tip: Gradually increase feeding as the weather cools to help birds transition into winter.

The Best Time of Day to Feed Birds

Wild birds are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, as they search for food to sustain them through the day and overnight. To cater to these peak times, fill your feeders in the morning and check them again later in the day. However, birds will appreciate food at any time, so don’t worry if your schedule is different.

Why Feed Birds All Year Round?

While each season brings different challenges, supplementary feeding helps birds thrive in your area. It’s also an opportunity to enjoy the beauty and diversity of wildlife in your garden throughout the year.

By offering a variety of foods and maintaining a consistent feeding routine, you’re creating a haven for wild birds and ensuring their survival during tough times. So, no matter the season, your efforts will be rewarded with the sights and sounds of happy, healthy birds.

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