Placing the right kind of food in your feeders matter (Image: Getty)
Gardening expert Monty Don has urged householders to make a simple change to their bird-feeding habits this winter, warning that the wrong food can attract pigeons and other unwanted visitors while depriving smaller birds of vital nutrition. Birds play an important role in brightening gardens and supporting local ecosystems, but many native species continue to decline across the UK.
With February bringing cold, wet and often freezing conditions, Monty says now is a critical time to help garden birds survive and prepare for the breeding season. In his February round-up of essential gardening jobs, the broadcaster and horticulturist stressed the importance of providing birds with a reliable daily food supply.
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Energy-dense options are the better pick according to Monty Don (Image: Getty)
He said winter is one of the most demanding periods of the year for wildlife, as birds need extra energy to keep warm and begin mating, nesting and laying their first clutches of eggs.
“Keep feeding the birds as they begin to mate, nest, and lay their first clutches of eggs,” Monty advised. “The better nourished the parent birds are, especially during cold weather, the larger and healthier their offspring will be.”
He encouraged gardeners to offer high-energy food such as fat, nuts and seeds every day throughout the month, alongside fresh drinking and bathing water. This, he explained, helps birds maintain body heat, boosts their energy levels and increases their chances of successfully raising young.
However, Monty has also warned against a common mistake that can lead to pigeons dominating feeders.
In previous advice, he cautioned gardeners not to scatter grains, as these are particularly attractive to pigeons, sparrows, squirrels and even rats. Larger, more aggressive birds can quickly take over feeding areas, leaving smaller species struggling to access food.
Instead, he recommends switching to energy-dense options such as specialist seeds, nuts and fat-based feeds, which are better suited to garden birds and less likely to encourage pests.
Using appropriate feeders rather than scattering food on the ground can also help reduce problems with pigeons and other animals.
Consistency is another key factor. Monty says birds quickly come to rely on gardens as dependable feeding stations during winter, so it is important to keep supplies topped up regularly. Fresh water is equally essential, particularly during freezing weather when natural sources may ice over.
Monty Don’s February advice serves as a timely reminder that small, simple actions can make a real difference. By choosing the right food and maintaining feeders and water sources, gardeners can help protect vulnerable birds through the harsh winter months while enjoying a garden full of life, movement and colour.
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