What birds can you see in your garden this July?
As we get into summer proper, our gardens can go quiet for birds but there are still plenty of garden birds around in July to keep you interested. Many birds are finished with breeding by now, particularly the tits, and the warm weather and abundant wild food means our feeders are in less demand – birds don’t need to risk visiting our gardens when there are plenty of insects and seeds to be found!
1. Great Tits
Some birds will continue to nest, however. Blackbird and Robins will produce young until August, and Woodpigeons and Collared Doves will breed throughout the year. House Martins and Swallows often produce two broods in a year, with House Martins often sticking around until September or October on nests. Swifts have a much finer window, and by early July, young Swifts will be taking their first flight. Many of these young birds won’t breed until they are 3 years old, and they won’t land again until they breed.
2. Blackbirds
3. Robins
Water is the most valuable commodity for birds in summer. Be sure to leave shallow trays of water out for birds, particularly during dry spells. Even better are ponds, which won’t need to be topped up as often, and will also provide insects for birds to eat.
Bird Bath Top Tips
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Site your bird bath 2 metres from cover, such as trees or shrubs, making it visible, whilst providing a safe place to retreat
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Always ensure garden birds have plenty of fresh clean water for drinking and bathing
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Clean feeding and drinking areas regularly with a mild disinfectant
What to Feed
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If you are new to feeding birds, you can choose a ‘year round’ bird food. This is suitable for all seasons and all popular garden birds. Peckish Complete Seed Mix has 12 varieties of high energy seeds and nuts and will attract a wide range of birds
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If you are keen to attract a specific type of bird, there are specific foods available. For example, a Robin Insect Seed Mix blended with mealworms, naked oats and sunflowers hearts that are small and ideal for a Robin’s beak
How to Feed
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You will know how much food to put out based on how much is left. If the food is taking days to be eaten, simply reduce the amount you put out
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Use several feeding stations to reduce the number of birds feeding in one spot
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If you use a feeding table, make sure to keep it clean
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Use a ground feeding tray if you prefer to place food on the ground. Just remember to remove any leftover food before nightfall to prevent attracting unwanted visitors
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Avoid putting feeders under garden features where birds may perch or roost
If you would like to learn more about understanding birds, in particular about changing bird populations visit the charity – British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)