Winter is the perfect time to enjoy the beauty of garden birds as they flock to our outdoor spaces in search of food and shelter. As nature lovers prepare for the Big Garden Birdwatch from 24th to 26th January, it’s time to get familiar with the feathered friends you might spot. Here are five common birds you can look out for this winter and tips on how to attract them to your garden.
The Song Thrush is a delightful garden visitor known for its melodious song, which it repeats in two or three phrases, creating a charming serenade.
Distinguishing Features: The Song Thrush has a brown back and wings with a speckled cream breast. Its repetitive, flute-like song is unmistakable.
Top Tip: Leave out berries and fruit, as these are winter favourites for Song Thrushes.
Starlings are highly sociable birds that often appear in large feeding flocks during winter. Their stunning murmurations, while a countryside highlight, can cause a stir in urban areas.
Distinguishing Features: Starlings have glossy black feathers with a purple and green metallic sheen.
Top Tip: Provide suet balls and mealworms to attract them, but be prepared—they feed in large groups and can clear a table quickly!
These lively little birds brighten up any garden with their acrobatics and vivid colours. Blue Tits are tireless workers, particularly in spring when feeding their chicks.
Distinguishing Features: Blue and green plumage, a white face, and yellow underparts.
Top Tip: Offer sunflower hearts, peanuts, and fat balls in feeders to entice Blue Tits to your garden.
The Robin is a winter icon, often associated with Christmas cards and festive imagery. Its bold red breast makes it a favourite among birdwatchers.
Distinguishing Features: Brown back, red breast, and a charming curiosity around humans.
Top Tip: Robins love mealworms, so placing these on a bird table or feeder will likely make them regular visitors.
Goldfinches bring a splash of colour to winter gardens with their vibrant plumage. A flock of these charming birds is aptly called a ‘charm.’
Distinguishing Features: A striking red face with black and yellow feather accents.
Top Tip: Provide niger seed or sunflower hearts in a specialist feeder to attract these colourful beauties.
Winter birdwatching is a rewarding way to connect with nature, and the Big Garden Birdwatch offers the perfect opportunity to contribute to conservation efforts. By recognising common garden birds like the Song Thrush, Starling, Blue Tit, Robin, and Goldfinch, you can fully enjoy the beauty they bring. With the right food, shelter, and a little patience, your garden can become a haven for birds this winter.
Visit our website today to find everything you'll need to help entice these beautiful birds to your garden.