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Birdtable
Habitat
Using a birdtable is an excellent way to feed garden birds. It gives you a good view of its visitors and also gives the birds some protection from predators. Birdtables can be free-standing, hanging or fixed to a wall or fence.
Ensure that any rain can escape from the platform and cover it with a roof. Site it carefully – close enough to a window for you to watch the birds, but also easily accessible so that you can put out food. Crossing a muddy lawn in winter ruins the grass and your shoes!
It should be difficult for a cat to reach – so reasonably high – and at least 1.5 m from cover that might hide one. If you want to deter squirrels, put a plastic dome or baffle around the pole or hanging strings.
Once you start feeding, don’t stop – birds will rely on the food you put out
Winter is the most important time to feed birds, as this is when their natural food is scarce. Once you start feeding, don’t stop – birds will rely on the food you put out and make a special journey to your garden to fill up. A fruitless trip is a waste of energy, making survival even harder. Feeding birds in the spring and summer may help them to raise their chicks more successfully.
Put out a variety of food on the table and the ground beneath. To attract as many species as possible, hang peanut and seed feeders as well. Don’t forget that birds need to drink, too – so put out a shallow dish of water as well.
RSPB birdtables and bird food are available from our mail order catalogue and RSPB shops. All our wooden bird feeding products are made from wood from sustainable sources or carry the FSC logo, ie are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
It is important to clean your birdtable regularly to prevent a build-up of debris, which can spread disease.