There’s something truly special about feeding garden birds. It’s a simple yet rewarding pastime that brings joy to people of all ages. Encouraging children to take part can spark a lifelong love of birds and deepen their appreciation for wildlife. And beyond being a wonderful way to pass the time during the school holidays, feeding birds has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety—offering a great excuse to spend more time outdoors.
With the worst of winter now behind us, birds may have an easier time finding food. However, as we step into spring, we enter the all-important nesting season, when birds can still benefit from the extra nourishment provided in our gardens.
The Benefits of Feeding Birds in Your Garden
Attracting birds to your garden doesn’t just help our feathered friends—it can also benefit your plants! Many birds are natural pest controllers, keeping aphids, snails, and other unwelcome critters in check. Goldfinches and sparrows feast on aphids, while blackbirds and song thrushes have a taste for snails. Some even help with weeding—sparrows and finches enjoy nibbling on weed seeds before they get a chance to sprout.
With wild bird populations under increasing pressure due to habitat loss and extreme weather, our gardens provide safe havens for many species. By offering food, we can support their numbers and enjoy their company in return. With around 600 bird species in the UK, you never know who might drop by!
Three Favourite Garden Birds to Look Out For
If you’re new to birdwatching, here are three of the UK’s most beloved and commonly spotted garden birds. They are not only easy to find but also fascinating in their own right!
Robin
Your friendly red-breasted visitor, seen all year round.
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Average height: 14cm
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Average wingspan: 21cm
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Fun fact: Each robin’s red breast pattern is unique—like a fingerprint!
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Favourite food: Mealworms
Wren
Tiny but mighty, with a surprisingly loud song.
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Average height: 10cm
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Average wingspan: 15cm
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Fun fact: More than 60 wrens have been found snuggling together in a single nest box to keep warm.
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Favourite food: Sunflower hearts
Goldfinch
A colourful delight, often seen in large, sociable groups.
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Average height: 12cm
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Average wingspan: 24cm
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Fun fact: A group of goldfinches is called a “charm”—and charming they certainly are!
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Favourite food: Nyjer seeds
Other Wildlife to Watch for in Your Garden
Birds aren’t the only wildlife worth keeping an eye out for! With a few simple steps and the right habitat features, your garden can be a haven for all kinds of creatures.
Orange Tip Butterflies
One of the first butterflies to emerge in spring, the orange tip is a sure sign that warmer days are on the way. Males sport bright orange wingtips, while females have more subtle black markings. These butterflies flit around hedgerows, meadows, and gardens, often seeking out cuckoo flowers and garlic mustard to lay their eggs.
Newts
If you have a garden pond, keep an eye out for newts in April. This is their courtship and spawning season, with females laying eggs on pond plants. A great way to spot them is by shining a torch onto the water at night, when they are most active. To attract newts, ensure your pond has plenty of aquatic plants and provide damp, sheltered areas around the edges where they can hide.
Bats
As the evenings grow warmer in May, bats become more active, swooping through the twilight in search of insects. Female bats will soon be looking for safe places to raise their young, typically born in June. You can encourage bats by planting night-scented flowers such as honeysuckle, which attract the insects they feed on, and by keeping garden lighting to a minimum.
Hedgehogs
May is peak breeding season for hedgehogs, so you might hear the loud snorting noises males make while trying to impress potential mates. To support these beloved garden visitors, provide fresh water and special hedgehog food, and consider leaving a small gap in your garden fence to help them move safely between gardens.
Make Your Garden a Wildlife Haven
By offering food, shelter, and the right plants, you can transform your garden into a haven for birds and other wildlife. Whether you’re enjoying the cheerful song of a wren, watching goldfinches flock to your feeders, or spotting newts in your pond, there’s something truly magical about welcoming nature into your outdoor space.
So, why not take a few simple steps to make your garden more wildlife-friendly this spring? The birds (and many other creatures) will thank you for it!
At Megapets, you’ll find a wide range of wild bird feed and accessories, as well as hedgehog food and other products designed to attract and support garden wildlife. Visit us to stock up and make your garden a welcoming haven for nature!