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Bring nature to your garden with our handy guide; it’s sure to help you find the best bird feeder.

Cold weather is fast approaching, so now’s the perfect time to give your local wildlife a bit of a helping hand. The RSPB, the UK’s largest bird conservation charity, say that the best time to feed birds is between October and April when food is harder to find in the wild.

Available in a variety of styles, investing in a bird feeder is an easy way to provide nourishment to the birds in your area. And if you experiment with the type of food you put out, you may find some other surprising guests paying a visit to your outdoor space.

Our guide to buying a bird feeder takes the guesswork out of the process, so you can start feeding your feathered friends and enjoy the benefits of bird watching without delay.

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Bird feeders are a great way to entice birds to your garden without making a mess. They’re designed to store food but also often come with a ton of other handy features, such as integrated bird baths or covers to protect your local birds from inclement weather.

There are three main styles of bird feeders available: free-standing feeders, those that attach to a wall or window and hanging bird feeders. Read on to find out which best suits your outdoor space.

Perhaps the most traditional style of feeder, standing bird feeders are perfect for larger gardens. They come in a variety of designs, from the classic roofed bird house to intricate styles decorated with flowers or leaves. Here are some of our top choices.

With its sturdy slate roof and traditional design, this Wilko bird feeding table offers a cosy home for your feathered friends. It’s made from solid FSC wood that will withstand the elements, and comes with four ground stakes that keep it firmly in place. You won’t have to worry about mess either — the table edges fold down, making it easy to clean away leftover food and other debris. And with four hooks to hang additional feeding stations, this bird feeder is a great all-rounder for any garden.

Add a little style to your outdoor space with the Etta decorative feeding table. It has a timeless cast iron look but is made from strong polyurethane, which is lightweight, UV-protected and weather resistant for long-lasting quality. Not only does the Etta look beautiful, but it also comes with a ton of cool features. It has a solar powered panel that adds a welcome touch of light (useful as the days start getting darker) and a pedestal planter for some extra gardening space.

These floral bird feeders are a cute way to attract more wildlife to your garden. Made from steel and cast iron, they’re sturdy enough to withstand the unpredictable British weather and the screw-in pole means they won’t budge once they’re installed. The three feeders are in the shapes of sunflowers, poppies and daffodils respectively, and will blend in nicely with any existing flower beds.

This type of bird feeder can be attached to a window or wall, either with hooks or suction cups. Ideal for smaller spaces, they’re also great for getting a good look at the birds that come to feed. Sound like what you're after? You might like these feeders.

With over 15,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, this bird feeder from Nature’s Hangout is a fantastic choice. The feeder has strong suction cups that easily secure to your window, and draining holes to keep food fresh. It has transparent sides, which means you can easily observe all the birds that come to eat from the comfort of your home. And with a large tray that can hold up to four cups of food, your avian visitors will be in for a feast.

The Peckish decorative bird feeder would make an elegant addition to your garden. It features a delicate leaf design and is made from antique-finished metal that gives the piece a vintage-feel. It’s simple to mount and the spacious tray (which can also double as a bird bath) is removable, making cleaning a complete breeze.

Archie & Oscar’s bird feeder offers the look of a traditional bird house without taking up as much space as standing feeders do. It comes with an easy to use food silo that can be removed and filled up as needed, and which is set back from the edge of the tray to keep the area tidy. You can choose between chic grey and earthy natural for a feeder that suits your style.

Hanging bird feeders can be attached to pretty much anything — tree branches, poles, door handles, you name it. This makes them a fantastic versatile option, and a great way to attract different kinds of birds to one space.

If you’re an avid bird watcher, this Golub three-piece bird feeder set is perfect as it offers different styles to attract a variety of birds. Each feeder is designed to store either seeds, nuts or suet balls and the internal containers can be removed for cleaning. The attached hooks are large enough to hang from a variety of places, so you can experiment with where to keep the feeders to maximise exposure. We think the electroplated copper finish gives these bird feeders a classically stylish look.

This hanging bird feeding dish is totally adorable. It features a sweet leaf and flower wreath design with two little birds perched on top — ideal for adding a cute, romantic element to your outdoor space. Hang this durable, iron feeder from a branch or pole and watch as wildlife flocks to your garden. The best part? It can be personalised with up to 60 characters, making it a pretty and thoughtful gift for bird lovers.

Tired of pesky squirrels nabbing the treats meant for your feathered friends? This iBorn squirrel-proof bird feeder is the perfect solution. It comes with a metal, rust-resistant cage that prevents squirrels from accessing the food you place in the silo, so the birds in your garden can feed in peace. The feeder’s exterior is powder coated making it UV-resistant; expect it to stay looking brand new for longer.

Putting a feeder in your garden can have a hugely positive impact on the birds around you. During the winter months natural food sources are often in short supply, which means that many birds struggle to stay healthy or even to feed their young. By offering them high quality food, you’ll help contribute to the conservation of the UK’s precious wildlife.

Besides, if you purchase a bird feeder, you’ll also get to experience the joy of watching different kinds of birds flock to your garden. And as bird watching has been shown to improve mental health, you may find yourself feeling happier and more relaxed as a result.

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Short answer — it depends on the bird. Some birds are ommivores and will eat a variety of food (even cat and dog food!), whereas others are strictly veggie. So if you want to attract different kinds of birds to your garden, it’s best to opt for a range of food.

However, if you’re just starting out on your bird watching journey, it’s best to go for seeds or nuts. A mix of small seeds will entice creatures like finches or collared doves while larger seeds such as sunflower seeds will appeal more to greenfinches and tits. Nuts like peanuts are also loved by a variety of birds, but make sure they are crushed or grated to avoid the risk of choking.

Another easy to source and popular option is bird cake or fat balls. These contain a mixture of ingredients such as nuts, seeds and oatmeal mixed with a fat source, commonly suet or lard. Fat balls are great to dish out in the winter as they provide birds with much needed energy during the colder days.

Before making your purchase, there are a few things you should take into consideration:

We can all do our bit to protect our local wildlife, and feeding the birds that flock to your outdoor space is a fantastic, simple way to start taking care of the world around you. And with so many options available to buy, you’re guaranteed to find a bird feeder that fits you and your home.

All our picks are fantastic choices, but we think you really can’t go wrong with the Golub Tube Bird Feeder set. This set caters to a wide variety of birds and, for under £20, it’s great value for money. We also think the Nature's Hangout Clear Window Bird Feeder is a brilliant, versatile option for even the smallest space.

Prices updated on 08/09/2022. We are not responsible for any changes on the prices mentioned above.

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