If you like your gardens full of wildlife and birdsong, moving one garden item could help
You can attract more birds like Blackbirds with a simple move(Image: Getty Images)
Birds can play a vital role in enhancing the beauty of your garden. Not to mention the bio-diversity they help to encourage, and the songs they can sing in appreciation. Birds like Blue Tits, Robins and Blackbirds are ideal birds to attract to the back garden.
With summer approaching, it’s the perfect time to show some love to our cherished garden birds. However, there are several common mistakes you may not realise you’re making that can deter birds from visiting your garden. An expert has revealed that correcting a single mistake can transform your garden into a haven for birds. Helen Nyul, the group head of biodiversity at David Wilson Homes and the RSPB, explained the importance of placing a bird bath in the right location.
She told Ideal Home, “Just as you should know where to avoid positioning a bird box, the same is true for a bird bath. In fact, placing it in direct sunlight or failing to provide protection from predators could be one of the worst mistakes you can make with your bird bath.”
The expert revealed that the right placement of the bird bath will make them “feel safe”. She added: “Birds will only use it if they feel safe, so the placement of a bird bath is very important. Birds can become preoccupied with bathing, leaving them more vulnerable than at other times.
“For this reason, birds will need to have clear visibility as they bathe to watch out for any predators, whilst also having nearby bushes or trees to provide cover and safety, if alarmed.”
She said that it is “important to place a bird bath out of direct sunlight to prevent the water from becoming excessively hot and uncomfortable.”
She further explained that this practice is especially useful during the warmer summer months, as it helps the water last longer. Additionally, cooler water reduces algae growth, keeping the birdbath cleaner for a longer time.
According to the RHS, approximately 30 species of bird are regular garden visitors, although more than 140 bird species have been recorded in British gardens.
Water in bird baths should be replaced frequently to help avoid the risk of disease amongst birds. This can also help keep the visitors to your garden healthy and willing to come by again.
If you want to attract birds without going to the bother of getting a bird feeder sorted, moving a birdbath to a better location is a fast and free solution.
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