With the leaves falling and temperatures cooling, supporting our garden birds has never been more important.
While keeping feeders topped up is vital as food becomes scarce, there's one simple step every gardener should take: putting up a nest box.
Post breeding season, you don't have to worry about disturbing active nests - so you can get boxes clean and ready to go. Birds also start looking for new sites for spring, so putting a box up now gives ample time for them to find and get used to it.
Some smaller birds, such as tits and wrens, use boxes as snug winter roosts, so they will benefit from a shelter straight away.
Boxes are available from many online retailers, or if you're feeling handy, you can always make your own. When it comes to putting up your nest box, placement is key. Here are some top tips from the BTO to make sure you're doing what's best for garden birds.
1. Don't put boxes too close together
Nest boxes of the same type sited too close together may encourage acts of aggression between neighbours.
2. Shelter your box from the weather
The front of the nest box should be angled vertically or slightly downwards to prevent rain from entering. Make sure it's sheltered from prevailing wind, rain and strong sunlight.
3. Erect 3 metres from the ground
Small-hole boxes are best placed 1-3m above ground on tree trunks, but it's best to avoid sites where foliage obscures the entrance hole - a clear flight path is important. If there are no trees in your garden, place your box on the side of a shed or wall. Just make sure the box isn’t easily accessible to predators like cats or squirrels.
4. Keep nest boxes away from bird feeders
If you get several birds visiting your garden feeder, this can disrupt nesting pairs. Try to keep nest boxes away from feeders.
5. Secure your nest box with non-rusting materials
If fixing boxes to trees, galvanised wire can be used to tie the box to the trunk or hang it from a branch. Regularly inspect fittings to ensure the nest box remains securely attached.
15 bird feeders to buy right now
Perfect for garden owners or flat-dwellers alike, this small feeder can perch on a window pane, and is ideal for small birds. An easy way to watch the birds, this feeder is an attractive - and rewarding - piece for the home.
A feeder great for multiple birds to eat from at once and lightweight enough to hang off small branches. It has a domed roof providing protection from the elements, and a smaller base for the food to keep it dry.
The Natural Wood Company Oak 'Applecore' Bird Feeder
This oak bird feeder from The Natural Wood Company is lovely. The varnished oak with hanging chain will fit perfectly into both a vibrant and minimalist garden.
Try this cast iron, wall mounted bird feeder. Its decorative fixing will work especially well with a fountain or small pond nearby. The base grants a lot of room for feeding birds.
A lantern-style feeder designed for small birds only. Its contemporary style will fit well into any modern garden.
The set of bird feeders allows each bird its personal space. Their simple dome and ball shape will suit almost any garden, and works best sheltered under hanging trees.
Want a bird feeder but tired of the squirrels getting there first? This heavy duty, squirrel proof feeder is a perfect solution.
This window feeder comes with practical suction pads to easily stick onto windows and smooth surfaces.
Garden Selections Vintage Cast Iron Heart Shaped Bird Seed Feeder
This vintage bird feeder is a great housewarming gift. Its deep bowl allows for an array of different snacks and treats for the local birds.
This raindrop feeder is a pretty edition to any outdoor space. Fitted with both suction pads and a hanging string, this feeder is handsome and versatile.
This feeder from John Lewis is great for an array of positions and types of food. Hang it on a tree, a balcony or a wall. Attach an apple for the birds using the handy spike.
These feeders at Crocus are designed to hold fat or suet balls - high energy food for little birds. You can arrange multiple feeders in and around the same tree, as shown here, to create a bird gathering.
Thompson Morgan Kingfisher Hanging Mealworm Bird Feeder With Plastic Canopy
You'll have regular customers in no time with this generous one-stop-shop, with the dome-shaped roof of this feeder perfect for protecting the birds, and a large base to fit a good amount of food.
Shaped in the style of a park bench, this piece will complement any garden.
This tall feeder fits two types of bird feed, to satisfy a variety of different feathered friends. Hang this on a tree in the garden or nearby perch, and you'll have them flocking to you in no time.
