Seeds or mealworms?
Straight seeds include red and white millet, black sunflower, oil seed rape and peanuts. Seed mixes attract a greater mix of bird species. Husk-free seeds has less mess to clear up (from the disregarded shells) and birds that can’t crack husks, such as blackbirds, can also eat the mix. Some husk-free mixes also contain other foods like dried mealworms and suet pellets.

Dried or live mealworms are brilliant food to provide in the breeding and fledgling season.

“I find that dried mealworms are the most popular food with all the birds, but the starlings in particular can eat a whole feeder in about half an hour. I have tried live mealworms but they escaped in the garage where I keep the bird food which was quite entertaining!” (Stephanie Chadwick).

Don’t deadhead
Rhiannon and her family in BS15 don't deadhead some plants where the birds feed, such as teasels, so that birds like goldfinches will come down for the seed heads in autumn and winter.

But what about cats and rats?
Tom from Bedminster have found that it's ok to have a cat and still encourage birds. Just keep the bird boxes high up. Try to view the garden from a birds point of view in terms of safe places to hide before getting food or water. Bird boxes are also more likely to have inhabitants if near a covered area. Tom also added spikey bush trimmings around the base of the food containers to discourage cats as well. They will always be there, so don’t let cats be a reason not to introduce wildlife to your garden or outdoor space.

The thing that no one speaks about, says Stephanie, is that having birdfeeders tends to attract rats and mice. The bird feeder hung from Stephanie's apple tree attracts dormice and birds!

Love a wild patch
Melanie and her family in BS15 have a very wildlife friendly garden and actively attract birds to their outdoor space. Red Campion is not only a great pollinator, but also provides nice cover and attracts insects around the bird feeders. For the birds to feel safe using the bird feeders, Melanie has located them close to natural green cover - but not too close for predators to take advantage. Native hedges and trees provide shelter, food and space for nesting and breeding.  

Actions you can take to help attract birds
Whether you have a garden, balcony or volunteer in a community green space, there are many easy things you can do to attract and support birds.

• Feed birds all year round.
• Provide water at various levels for drinking and bathing.
• Provide shelter via bushes (preferably spikey native bushes with berries) or trees.
• Add a bird box, note that different sized holes in bird boxes attract different birds.
• Wildlife friendly gardening practices help insects thrive, providing food for birds.

Learn more about attracting birds through Team Wilder, sharing local knowledge and experience to help bring wildlife back locally.

https://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/team-wilder-birds