Caring for Your Garden Birds

It's easy to assume that our garden birds can care for themselves, but as landscapes and weather changes, so too has the natural habitat of Ireland's birds and many species have declined in population over the past number of decades. Feeding our garden birds supplements their food sources at different times of year.

Time of Year

Winter is traditionally a time when feeding your garden birds is especially important. As Irish winters get colder, it is becoming increasingly difficult for our feathered friends to find natural food sources. Frozen ground and a lack of naturally occurring food sources have put pressure on our bird population, and regular feeding can help them through the cold winter months. High energy foods, such as fats, peanuts and sunflower seeds can give a much need burst of energy and nutrients to sustain our birds throughout the winter.

Breeding Season

Spring and early summer is breeding season for birds, and adults are working harder to care for themselves and their young families. The weather is cooler, and steady access to seeds, fats and water are important to help them through.

Weather

Dramatic weather changes impact on the natural availability of food for our wild birds, so as the seasons change, so does our responsibility to help where we can and provide an additional food source for the feathered visitors to our gardens.