Support Nesting Birds in UK Gardens

Spring has sprung, and with it comes a chorus of birdsong in gardens up and down the country. But this isn’t just a beautiful sound; it’s a sign that nesting season is in full swing across the UK. At Harvest Wildlife Products, we believe in supporting all creatures, big and small, and that includes our feathered friends. Join us and support nesting birds during this crucial time.

Our top tips to create the perfect garden environment and support nesting birds:

• Lock the hedge trimmer away!
• Install nesting boxes in different sizes to attract birds
• Provide natural materials such as twigs, moss, pet fur and dried grass
• Keep pets on leads when taking them out in the garden
• Teach young children about being mindful during nesting season
• Keep bird feeders clean and topped up
• Importantly, ensure soft food and small seeds are available for fledglings
• Ensure a constant water source is available near your feeders

Creating a safe and undisturbed nesting environment is key to supporting birds throughout Spring. This means delaying any hedge trimming or major garden work until Autumn. Trees, hedges and other shrubbery provide vital shelter for nesting birds, and disturbing them can have devastating consequences.

If you have the right location, install a variety of nest boxes in your garden to attract different bird species. Make sure to research perfect positions, and don’t hang them all too close together. Visit our FAQ page for more advice on nesting birds.

Top Tip: Robins prefer to nest closer to the ground, but make sure to hang the box high enough that predators and pets can’t reach it.

Nest boxes need a clear flight path in and out, so don’t bury them within foliage. However, keeping them sheltered from wind, rain and direct sunlight is beneficial. When hanging the boxes, make sure to use screws, nails or wire that won’t rust over time. Once your boxes are up, leave some nesting materials accessible in your gardens, such as twigs, moss, dried grass and pet fur.

What to do if you’ve discovered birds nesting in your garden

Congratulations, it is fantastic that birds have found your garden safe enough to grow their families! Now you know where they are, make sure you respect their space and don’t try to interfere.

Observing is absolutely fine from a distance, or you might have the benefit of a nest box with built in camera. If you get too close, it might cause parents to abandon their eggs or babies. Please also be mindful of inquisitive dogs and young children, keeping the former on a lead in the garden where possible. Educate children about the importance of looking after nesting birds in the garden, and use it as an opportunity to get them involved with topping up feeders and keeping the space safe.

Do nesting birds and fledglings need special food?

Firstly, it is so important that you provide a reliable and nutritious food source for birds who have made your garden their home. Birds need variety in their diet, so make sure you provide a mix of seeds, straights, insects and suet products.

Pregnant birds and their chicks require a high protein diet, which they can get from dried mealworms, calciworms, suet products, sunflower hearts and peanuts in particular.

Top Tip: Soak your dried mealworms and calciworms in water before putting them out as it helps prevent fledglings choking on them and also keeps birds hydrated.

It is also worth remembering the size of the bird you are feeding. Fledglings or birds from the Finch family with smaller beaks will need manageable mouthfuls. Nyjer seeds, kibbled peanuts, soft suet and sunflower hearts are all great for this.

Finally, consider how your nesting bird accesses their food. Do they feed from feeders or flat surfaces? Some birds also prefer to feed away from the main feeding station. Get to know the birds you have nesting and make sure you cater for them accordingly.

Struggling to find the right bird food? Take our Wild Bird Food Quiz to learn which food types are best for different bird species, how to attract a wider variety of birds and tips to keep your garden bird-friendly.

Our top five food recommendations for nesting birds and fledglings

1. Mealworms
2. Sunflower Hearts
3. Ultimate Fat Balls
4. Insect Suet Pellets
5. Suet Coconut Halves

At Harvest Wildlife Products, we’re committed to providing high-quality bird food to support garden birds throughout the year. Our range includes nutritious seed mixes, popular straights, high-energy suet products, mealworms and other protein-rich treats. All Harvest suet products are enhanced by human grade beef tallow, designed to enhance the diet of garden birds and prevent smearing on wings. Perfect to support nesting birds.

By following our simple steps, you can help contribute to a successful nesting season for UK garden birds. Let’s work together to create a safe and thriving environment for these wonderful creatures, ensuring continued birdsong for generations to come.