Feeding the Birds in Winter

Whether you feed the birds all year round or only in the winter, or would like to start, we hope this guide will ensure you – and the birds – get the most out of your generosity.

Set up your feeding station

First things first: Create your bird-feeding station. This could be a simple feeder hanging from a branch, or a bird table, or a stand with lots of arms on which to hang different feeders. Whichever it is, position it well and you will have wild birds flocking in no time.

1. Place it where you can see it – this isn’t essential but it would be a shame for you to miss out on the simple pleasure of watching your feathered guests gather around the feeding station. You will also be able to see what the birds seem to prefer, if bigger birds are taking over, and what the cat is up to!
2. Place it close enough to cover (like a tree or hedge) so that the little birds can quickly retreat should a threat appear on the scene, but far enough away from anything that a predator could launch an ambush from, for example a wall.
3. Not all birds feed from the air. Some, such as blackbirds, dunnocks and wrens, prefer the ground, and for them you can scatter food under shrubs or hedges. Robins feed from the ground and from bird tables, and love mealworms and soft-textured ingredients.

Top feeding stations and feeders:

🔗 Tom Chambers Banquet Bird Feeding Station – with four arms, this elegant stand allows you to offer a ‘banquet’ of different food types to attract different species.

🔗 Tom Chambers Otto Bird Table – a beautifully made, traditional bird table.  

🔗 Tom Chambers Fat Ball Ring – this circular feeder looks amazing yet is a practical way to offer high-energy nutrition to your feathered visitors.

What food to put out

In the depths of winter, the birds use a lot of energy to keep warm, so they appreciate high-calorie foods like suet and fat balls. Peanuts (must be unsalted) are also a great source of fat and protein. Some birds prefer seeds, and the glamorous goldfinches, siskins and redpolls love smaller seeds like nyjer.

It’s especially important to provide fresh water in the winter as water sources may freeze over.

Here are our top winter wild bird feeds:

1. Peckish Natural Balance Energy Balls 5kg + 20% Extra Free (A-List 2 for €20)
2. Peckish Natural Balance Seed Tub 5kg +20% Extra Free (A-List 2 for €22)
3. Peckish Peanut Kernels 5kg
4. Tom Chambers Nyjer Nibbles 1.8kg
5. Tom Chambers Rockin Robin 1.8kg

Keeping healthy and pest free

A final note: do keep the feeders, bird tables and bird baths clean. Regularly scrub them with hot soapy water (wear gloves). Clean up droppings and unused food and never leave wet or mouldy food out. That way your feathered visitors will stay healthy and you won’t attract unwelcome guests!