Moving house recently was traumatic and stressful. Sorting out energy suppliers, broadband and trying to ensure the removal crew took proper care of my vintage toy collection was bad enough. But, and I'm finally getting to the point, one of the biggest traumas was my wife and I knowing that we were saying goodbye to the robins and bluetits which visit us every year.

Although our nesting box remained empty, every year since setting up our bird feeder, our favourite feathered friends have returned time after time and we must have seen dozens of different species from our front room window. If you don’t have a bird feeder in your garden I’d urge you to consider one.

According to the RSPB, there are around 574 species of bird in the United Kingdom and while you might not see all of them in your garden, you could certainly attract a great variety of avian visitors by setting up a bird feeder.

If you’ve never done it before, you might be worried about what you’ll need and how difficult it will be to maintain. But the good news is that setting up a bird feeder and feeding our winged friends all year round isn’t as much of a hassle as you think.

What will I need to feed birds in my garden?

There are plenty of ready to use bird feeders out there that you can purchase, put together and fill with food. There is a massive range to choose from with some very ornate metal feeders. They are simple to use but there is also the option of making a DIY bird feeder which is great if you have children who are keen to get in on the action.

Personally I’d go for a metal frame which has several arms allowing you to hang a whole variety of different feeders and goodies such as coconut shells and suet blocks.

Hanging bird feeders are often a cage-like plastic or metal container which can be filled with different seeds or various types of food. You can hang them from the metal ‘tree’ in clusters or as standalone feeders which can be suspended from your garden shed, a tree or any other structure. Typically, they will be filled with things like seed, nuts or suet. The shape of the feeder will determine what best to put inside.

There are also bird feeding tables or platforms which can make an excellent feature in a garden. Food is scattered on the platform for the birds to pick at. Some platform feeders also come with some form of shelter such as a little house or bird box.

Finally, there are small window feeders which attach to your window using a suction cup. These come in a range of designs depending on the theme of your garden.

What is the best food for a garden bird feeder?

The best type of food for your feeder will largely depend on the time of year. And even the different types of food you’re trying to attract. For example, in the autumn and winter, birds require a lot more energy and so foods that are high in fat are preferred. This might include mealworms, suet, black sunflower seeds and peanuts.

However, during the spring and summer months, the nutritional needs of your local birdlife will change and so it is important to adjust what you offer. The birds may be moulting and this means they require more protein so things like oatmeal, waxworms and soaked sultanas work well.

In any season, good hygiene is important to avoid the birds being allowed to eat rotten foods. Always remove uneaten food and replace it with fresh. This is even more important in the summer when there is a risk of sunlight and heat prematurely spoiling the food.

What birds you can expect to see at different times of the year

As we have mentioned, the UK is home to a large number of avian species and what you see in your garden will vary depending on the time of year. Of course, the local area will also determine the  type of wildlife you see. For example, if you live near water in the countryside, you are much more likely to see a kingfisher than if you have a garden in an urban area.

But it doesn't matter where you live. If you set up a bird feeder you are likely to see so many different species. In summer, some of the most common UK garden birds include the swallow, starling, chaffinch, sparrow and goldfinch.

However, in the winter, you may be more likely to see birds such as the brambling, robin, goldcrest, bullfinch and the blue tit. That said, there may still be some chaffinches and goldfinches hanging around so keep an eye out for these too.

I’ve only got a small garden; can I still have a bird feeder?

It doesn’t matter what size your garden is, there is always scope to set up a bird feeder. Birds aren’t bothered about the perimeter of your garden so whether you have a small courtyard or acres of land, you can still enjoy feeding the local birdlife.

The garden I had was very small and in an urban area yet as I mentioned earlier we saw lots of different birds. Though we did take particular joy in the antics of the robins and bluetits.

You will want to keep in mind that wild birds can be timid so if you do have a smaller space, you’ll want to be respectful of them while they are feeding and not give into the temptation to run outside and get a few Instagram snaps.

The most important thing to think about is where you will place the bird feeder as this will determine how much wildlife is attracted to your garden. If you can put your bird feeder in a less active part of the garden where they can feed in peace, this is always going to be the best option.

Certainly, away from areas of the garden where children are playing or where your dog may frequent as this will discourage birds from even attempting to feed.

You might also think about the most natural feeding spots. Of course, you’ll place different types of feeders in different locations. Let’s say you're using a nectar feeder; it would be wise to place this among nectar producing plants whereas a platform bird feeder would work well near shrubs.

Be aware of placing feeders near fences as this may give the local cats a handy ambush spot. Placing the bird feeder in an open area will negate this risk. However, since the birds will need somewhere to quickly retreat if they feel threatened, local shelter should also be available.

Why you should set up a bird feeder in your garden

It isn’t only you and your family that will enjoy your garden over the course of each year. The UK is home to a wide range of bird species and they rely on humans to provide much of their food source. Setting up a bird feeder is quick and simple and gives you a wonderful way to help local wildlife. What’s more, you’ll get to enjoy watching these beautiful creatures right from your living room window!