SPRING

Nurture: Fuel nesting, support breeding, feed safely.

• ‍Support Breeding Birds: Provide nutritious, energy-rich foods such as sunflower hearts, quality seed mixes and mealworms. ‍
• Think About Young Birds: Avoid large, hard foods that could present problems for fledglings; never offer whole loose peanuts. ‍
• Keep Feeding Consistent: Adults are using considerable energy establishing territories, nesting and feeding chicks.

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SUMMER

Nourish: Keep it fresh, add protein, provide water.

• ‍Keep Food Fresh: Offer smaller quantities more frequently so food doesn't become damp, stale or spoiled.  ‍
• Provide Protein-Rich Foods: Mealworms and quality seed can supplement naturally available insects during demanding breeding periods. ‍
• Don't Forget Water: Maintain a clean, shallow source of fresh water for both drinking and bathing.

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AUTUMN

Prepare: Build reserves, feed regularly, clean and prepare.

• ‍Help Birds Build Reserves: introduce higher-energy foods such as sunflower hearts, peanuts and suet products as temperatures fall. ‍
• Establish a Routine: keeping feeders regularly stocked encourages birds to recognise your garden as a dependable food source. ‍
• Prepare Feeding Stations: Thoroughly clean feeders and bird tables and check that feeders are in good condition before winter.

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WINTER

Energise: High-energy food, feed daily, keep water available.

• ‍Prioritise Calories: Offer energy-dense foods rich in fats and oils, including suet, sunflower hearts and peanuts. ‍
• Feed Regularly: Short daylight hours give birds less time to find enough food, so reliable feeding is particularly valuable. ‍
• Provide Unfrozen Water: Check drinking and bathing water daily during freezing conditions and replace frozen water with fresh water.