Bird Care Through the Seasons

There’s nothing quite like the cheerful flutter of birds in the garden. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or just love having wildlife nearby, caring for garden birds throughout the year makes a huge difference to their survival and well-being.

Here’s a seasonal guide to bird care which includes:

Year-round importance of bird care

What feeds to use

Learn about ground feeding birds

Choosing the right bird feeders

Bird Care: Year-Round Importance

Many people think of feeding birds only in winter, but our feathered friends benefit from support all year long.

• Winter: The most critical time. Natural food sources are scarce, ground soil it hard, bird baths need maintained to avoid freezing, and birds need high-energy food to stay warm.

• Spring: Breeding season means birds need extra energy and nutrients. Try to avoid putting our peanuts as they can be a choking hazard for chicks. If you are to put peanuts out, ensure they are in an appropriate mesh feeder.

• Summer: Dry spells and moulting make food and water essential. Keep feeders clean to prevent disease, and regularly clean and top up bird baths.

• Autumn: This is the prepping season for birds before going into winter, so high-fat foods are appreciated, helping them store energy.

What Feeds to Use:

In-store at Simpsons we offer a wide range of bird care products and feeds, including Peckish which offers a fantastic range of high-quality bird foods tailored to the needs of UK birds. Some of the best bird feeds for the wide variety of Scottish garden birds include:

• Peckish Complete Seed & Nut Mix – A no-mess, husk-free blend with 12 varieties of seed and nut, attracting robins, tits, sparrows, and more.

• Peckish Energy Balls – Great for colder months, these high-energy suet balls help birds maintain body heat.

• Peckish Robin Insect Seed Mix – Ideal for insect-loving species like robins and wrens, especially in spring and summer.

• Peckish Winter Warmer Seed Mix – Packed with calories and warmth-boosting nutrients, it’s designed to help birds through the harshest weather.

Scottish gardens, with their diverse environments—from coastal regions to urban backyards—see a variety of species, and Peckish products cater to all of them.

Did You Know Some Birds Prefer Ground Feeding?

Many birds, such as blackbirds, dunnocks, and robins, prefer to feed at ground level rather than a traditional hanging feeder. To help them out:

Use a ground feeding tray—this keeps food clean and helps prevent mould.

Choose softer foods like mealworms, suet pellets, or the Peckish Robin mix.

Keep feeding areas clean and move them regularly to avoid disease build-up.

Caring for birds isn’t just a winter hobby—it’s a year-round commitment that brings joy and keeps nature thriving in your own backyard. By choosing the right feeds, using suitable feeders, and considering the needs of all types of birds (especially ground feeders), you’re helping wildlife flourish.

Want to make your garden a bird haven? Start with a simple feeder, a handful of bird feed, and a little patience—you’ll be rewarded with a garden full of life.