Space Saving Solutions for Wildlife

From: BirdFood UK Sep-15-2024 11:21:am

Dear krazypromo,

It may often be the perception that you need a large garden in the countryside to help and attract wildlife, however every home can and should do their bit, no matter how big or small the outdoor area.

Small gardens, patios, courtyards and terraces are all great places in which to create a wildlife garden and so in this newsletter we hope to inspire you with some space saving solutions to ensure you maximise the opportunity to encourage wildlife.

View Website >

Bird Foods and Feeders for Small Spaces

The fragmented habitat in towns and cities can cause temporary shortages of natural food, which is why year-round feeding has been recommended in the UK for over 20 years.

Restrictions in space do not need to restrict your options when it comes to selecting the right foods for your garden birds. There are a wide variety of high quality bird foods available; from seed mixes and peanuts, to high calorie food in jars and fat balls & peanut cakes – and many foods don’t need a feeder to be put out in the garden which is also beneficial when space is tight.

Fat Balls >

Peanut Butter for Birds >

Peanut Cakes >

If you do want to add a feeder, they come in all different shapes and sizes to suit every type of space and budget.

CJ Wildlife pole feeding systems are an excellent way to incorporate multiple feeders in one place.

With usually two or four hanging arms, you can mix and match seed and peanut feeders, suet and fat ball products and even high energy treats. Providing a greater variety of food and feeders in this way means the more bird species you are likely to attract.

There are usually extra dishes and hooks for which you can add additional foods and essential water making this a real avian restaurant!

Feeder Poles >

Window feeders are a great solution if you don't have much outside space. Securely attached with suction cups these feeders fit directly onto the outside of your window enabling you to watch your feathered friends. From smaller seed feeders, peanut cake feeders, to hanging options, we have a variety of different types. You should consider what is suitable for your window and of course the height at which you will need to refill it!

Window Feeders >

We even have a range of feeders which can be easily attached to a rain pipe, fence or wall with a velcro attachments or screw which is supplied. These again are great for when space is limited, but they're trendy designs will add a splash of colour and interest to your outdoor area.

SingingFriend Evie >

Important Tip: Regardless of space, or how many birds you have visiting your garden, it is important to choose good quality, calorie packed food to give the birds the help that they need. Sunflower hearts and peanuts contain lots of energy, or you can choose a mix such as Hi-Energy No Mess or Hi-Energy Supreme that are also rich in calories. Our peanut cakes are another great source of energy and are available in a variety of sizes and flavours.

LIVE NEST WECAMS RETURN

Our LIVE nest webcams have returned for the 2021 season! It's great to have them back for another year - We're all already glued to them here at CJ's as we're sure many of you are too.

We do apologise that some of you may be experiencing difficulties viewing the cameras. We have resolved our technical issue earlier in the week, but your own internet browser or network setting may take a little while to refresh access to the cameras. This will happen automatically, but we cannot say when for each individual, so we would recommend temporarily using a different browser or private browser for a short while.

We need your help! As the cameras are LIVE 24/7 it's difficult for us to keep an eye on every camera. We would therefore appreciate it if you could please share any screenshots and sightings you see on the cameras with us and our followers on our social media channels, we can then share the nesting magic together.

Tawny Owl

We already have some chicks to watch and adore. The first Tawny Owl chick hatched on the 9th March, and the second joined us on the 10th March. The chicks will fledge after 35 and 40 days so we have a while to watch them as they grow into young owlets. As you can see, the parents are already stockpiling food, and although it looks a little gruesome, this is a good sign as it will keep the little ones well fed. The food transfers between the male and female usually take place during the evening, if you're lucky enough to experience one and spot the male do let us know!

Watch Now >

Eurasian Eagle-Owl

This is a new camera for us so we're very excited to follow the action from this nest. As you may have noticed, we currently have 4 eggs, with possibility of a 5th. Incubation is usually around 32 days, so the chicks will hatch in April.

Camera 2 provides a great view of the barn where the nest is situated. The male often comes with food transfers, and the female sometimes leaves the nest to greet him. It's lovely to see them both together.

Watch Now >

The LOVE Cams

Over the last week we have been enjoying watching the relationships develop between our Little Owls, Barn Owls, Stork and Peregrine Falcon Couples. We've noticed that the Little Owls have been preparing the nesting area, whilst the Barn Owls have been getting to know each other very well (if you know what we mean!) We're keeping our fingers crossed it stays this way.

Little Owls

Watch Now >

Barn Owls

Watch Now >

Peregrine Falcon

Watch Now >

Vote for your favourite Build your Own Kit

Thank you to everyone that entered our build your own adults competition, we've received some fantastic entries, and it's so lovely to see our kits being transformed from flat packs to wonderful creations.

To help us select an overall winner we need your help! Simply vote for your favourite build your own kit and the winner with the highest number of votes will win a £50 Garden Wildlife Bundle.

Please place your vote by 11.59pm Monday 15th March 2021.