Why Aren’t Birds Visiting Your Garden?
Seeing birds and wildlife in your garden is one of life’s simple pleasures, so it can be disappointing when they don’t appear. Creating a biodiverse garden doesn’t just benefit nature, it can also boost your wellbeing, as highlighted in a recent RHS study.
With the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch taking place this weekend, it is the perfect time to take a closer look at which birds are visiting your garden, and why some may be missing. If birds are not showing up, here are a few common reasons why, plus simple ways to encourage them back.
Is there enough food?
Birds rely on gardens as an important food source. They feed on berries from trees, hedges, shrubs and perennials, as well as insects living in the soil. Seeds, fallen fruit and worms from compost heaps are all valuable too.
If your garden has limited planting, there may not be enough food to attract them. Plants do not just feed birds directly, they also attract insects, which many birds rely on. Creating a more biodiverse planting scheme will soon make your garden more appealing.
Supplementary feeding can also help. Hanging bird feeders with a variety of food types will attract different species and provide a reliable source of nutrition.
Do birds have places to rest and nest?
Birds need safe places to rest, shelter and raise their young. Without suitable perches or nesting opportunities, your garden may not hold much interest.
- Plant hedging, shrubs and trees. Even a small tree in a compact garden can make a big difference. Evergreen plants provide year round cover, while deciduous plants often support insects and berries.
- Put up bird boxes in quiet areas, away from regular foot traffic, to give birds a safe place to nest.
- Add water. A simple birdbath offers drinking and bathing water, and it is brilliant to watch them splash about.
Are predators putting birds off?
Birds face many challenges, from harsh weather to finding food and protecting their young. Natural predators such as sparrowhawks are part of a healthy ecosystem, but frequent visits can temporarily reduce bird activity.
This is where dense planting really helps. Hedging, evergreen trees and nesting boxes offer vital cover, giving smaller birds places to hide and feel secure.
Could paving be the problem?
Heavily paved gardens, artificial lawns or hard landscaping can significantly reduce bird visits. Lawns and planted areas are rich in worms and insects, which birds depend on. Concrete and artificial surfaces offer very little food.
Adding planting, raised beds, borders or even containers can help reintroduce life into your garden and make it more attractive to birds.
Top 10 Plants to Attract Birds
These plants help by providing berries, seeds, insects, shelter and nesting cover across the seasons.
- Holly (Ilex aquifolium) Evergreen shelter plus winter berries that are a vital food source.
- Ivy (Hedera helix) Excellent year round cover, with late flowers for insects and berries later on.
- Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) Brilliant hedging for nesting, with berries that birds feed on in autumn.
- Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) A smaller tree with berry clusters that attract thrushes and other fruit eating birds.
- Crab apple (Malus) Blossom supports insects in spring, then small fruits provide autumn and winter food.
- Pyracantha Dense, thorny cover for nesting, with berries birds love.
- Cotoneaster Heavy cropping berries and great structure for cover, especially in smaller gardens.
- Honeysuckle (Lonicera) Flowers draw insects and some varieties produce berries, plus good tangle cover.
- Teasel (Dipsacus) Leave seed heads standing and finches will often visit in late summer and winter.
- Sunflower (Helianthus) A simple way to provide seed for birds, especially if heads are left to mature.
If you would like to take part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, you can find full details and how to register on the RSPB website:
RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch – take part this weekend
You will find a wide range of bird food, feeders, boxes and wildlife friendly plants in store, all suitable for gardens large and small, and everything you need to help birds feel at home again.
