Bird Feeders
Are you into bird watching? Do you already own a bird table or feeder? If you have a garden (or just a balcony) you can leave the wellies in the shed and do not even have to buy binoculars to enjoy avian wildlife in the UK. There is a very easy way to attract British birds to come directly to your home , hop around your garden and maybe even nest in your hedges.
When decorating your front or back garden , think of the garden birds as well and buy a bird table , bird feeder or feeding station.
Although there are some basics that already attract many different kinds of garden birds , there are different kinds of bird feeders as well as different kinds of bird food to choose from. Here is a list of common types of bird feeders:
Bird Table
A bird table is basically a tray or flat dish where seed mixes or sunflower seeds are placed on. Birds just hop onto the table and pick up the seeds. Buy a bird table with a roof top to protect the food from getting wet from the rain. Wooden bird tables with a roof are also very attractive garden decorations.
Hanging Seed Feeders and Suet Feeders

There are two popular types of hanging bird feeders: closed tubes and mesh tubes or "cages ".
Bird feeder tubes are usually made of plastic with one or more holes in the bottom. Seeds can be poured into the tube at the top and be eaten at the bottom from the holes.
Suet or fat ball feeders are usually made out of metal. They come in different shapes and sizes. A popular shape is the mesh tube. Depending on the size of the mesh and the tube itself , you can fill the feeder with fat balls , suet bars , or little fruit suet pellets. These types of bird feeders can also be used to offer peanuts to garden birds.
Such types of bird feeders can be hung from tree branches or bird tables or installed on poles. They are also part of entire bird feeder stations that can contain several seed feeders , bird tables as well as additional coconut shells or other suet and fat bars or rings.
If you want to attract goldfinches , greenfinches , or siskins specifically , try nyjer seeds. Since those seeds are very small , you will need a nyjer seed feeder. The generic seed feeders are too big and bird tables are not suitable since any wind would blow away the little nyjer seeds.
Ground Feeders

Window Bird Feeders
A very special kind of bird feeder are bird tables or even little plastic houses that come with suction cups and can be attached to your window. They are often entirely made of clear plastic. That way you can watch the garden birds eating their food from your feeder directly in front of your window.
The Right Food on the Table

Just make sure the mix is fresh and not mouldy and does not contain any big pieces like peas , barley , rice or lentils , which cannot be eaten by most garden birds.
Also make sure to clean your bird feeder or bird table regularly. Clean away the dirt birds leave behind as well as any remains and old bird food.
Protecting your Bird Feeder from Squirrels and Cats

While squirrels just steal your birds' food , cats are a real danger. If you own a cat yourself that has access to the garden , you should reconsider installing a bird feeder or table. But even if you do not own a cat yourself , you have to make sure to keep your feeding station as safe as possible.
Install your bird feeder in a quiet place away from any hiding places like your shed , bushes or the hedge , trees , roofs or even your garden furniture where a cat could lie waiting for prey. Keeping the bird table or feeder away from climbing and covered areas also helps keeping the squirrels away a little. To protect from cats , you can also install guards on the pole on which your bird feeder or table stands. Thorny vegetation under the feeder might help as well. Other options might be deterrents that work with sound , or a well behaved dog that scares the cat away but leaves the birds in peace to enjoy their meal at your bird table or feeding station.
Bird Bath
Since birds need to drink as well as eat , consider installing a bird bath as well. Once you have decided on your new bird feeder or bird table , have a look at the selection of bird baths Shop Bird Feeders is offering for purchase.