How to Care for Our Feathered Friends: The Essential Guide to Birdhouses and Feeding

Garden birds bring life and beauty to our outdoor spaces, while playing a crucial role in the ecosystem. To support these feathered friends, it is essential to provide them with a safe habitat, proper food, and appropriate shelters like birdhouses. Here is a guide to help you protect and care for the birds that visit your garden.

1. Choosing the Right Birdhouse for the Birds

Birdhouses are artificial shelters that provide birds with a safe place to nest and protect themselves from predators and harsh weather. To choose the right birdhouse, consider the needs of the local bird species you want to attract. Here are a few tips for making the right choice:

• Material: Choose birdhouses made of untreated wood, as they are durable and provide natural insulation. Avoid materials like plastic or metal, which can become too hot or too cold.
• Size and Entrance Hole: Adjust the size of the birdhouse and its entrance to the targeted species. For example, blue tits prefer entrance holes 25 to 30 mm in diameter, while sparrows require slightly larger openings.
• Design: Ensure the birdhouse is designed with a slanted roof to prevent rainwater buildup and has drainage holes to allow water to escape.
  

2. Where to Place Birdhouses?

The placement of birdhouses is crucial for attracting birds and ensuring their safety. Here are some recommendations:

• Height: Place birdhouses at a height between 2 and 5 meters to protect them from predators such as cats and martens.
• Orientation: Face the birdhouse entrance towards the east or southeast to avoid prevailing winds and rain. This also allows it to benefit from the morning warmth without being exposed to harsh direct sunlight.
• Location: Install birdhouses in quiet areas, away from frequently trafficked zones, and ideally near trees or bushes that provide natural cover.
  

3. Cleaning and Maintaining Birdhouses

To ensure a healthy environment for the birds, it is important to clean birdhouses regularly. Here’s how to do it:

• Frequency: Clean birdhouses once a year, preferably in late autumn, after the breeding season. This helps remove parasites and debris that could harm the birds.
• Method: Remove the old nest and scrape off any residue. Use a solution of warm soapy water to disinfect the inside of the birdhouse. Rinse thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before placing it back.
• Precautions: Wear gloves when handling old nests to avoid contact with parasites or pathogens.
  

4. What to Feed Birds?

Feeding is essential to support birds, especially during cold periods or when natural food is scarce. Here’s what you can offer:

• Sunflower Seeds: Rich in oil and energy, they are highly favored by many bird species.
• Fat Balls: A mix of animal or vegetable fats with seeds, they are an excellent source of energy during winter.
• Fruits: Offer pieces of apples, pears, or berries to attract species like blackbirds and thrushes.
  
• Fresh Water: Make sure birds always have access to clean water for drinking and bathing. In winter, regularly check that the water hasn’t frozen.
  

5. The Importance of Protecting Birds

Birds play a crucial role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants, dispersing seeds, and controlling populations of harmful insects. By providing them with birdhouses, proper food, and a safe environment, you are contributing to their protection and the preservation of biodiversity.

Conclusion

Taking care of garden birds by providing them with suitable birdhouses, balanced food, and ensuring their safety is a simple yet essential gesture. Not only does it help protect our feathered friends, but it also enhances our natural environment. By following these best practices, you can enjoy the presence of these beautiful creatures all year round!