It can be hard to predict exactly where birds will decide to put themselves next – luckily an expert has shared exactly which flowers will make them more likely to come back
If you enjoy having birds around, experts have shared the exact type of flowers you need to plant to keep these feathery friends flitting about in your garden.
Many garden-owners enjoy observing birds. Their large personalities and quirky behaviours provide endless entertainment when you’re sitting out on a garden chair. What’s more, they also play a pivotal role in your garden’s eco-system, as they contribute to natural life cycles like pollination and seed dispersal.
Plus, given that bird populations are diminishing in Britain, this is more important than ever. According to government data, bird species across the UK have declined by 2% between 2018 and 2023.
READ MORE: Gardeners with bird baths urged to make one immediate change in July
One of the biggest causes of this are modern farmland practices, according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Bird’s (RSPB) State of Nature report 2023. This is largely due to the use of fertilisers and pesticides, which negatively impact birds’ food supply.
Fortunately there are some simple ways that gardeners can encourage birds to keep flocking back. According, garden design expert Calum Maddock at HomeHow.co.uk, birds care about the kinds of flowers you plant.
This is partly due to a unique aspect of their genetics. He said: “Birds are one of the few animals that can see in colour, and they rely on it in a variety of different ways, from attracting a mate to hiding from predators.
He continued: “They are naturally attracted to bright colours, so gain their interest by offering a variety of different colours around your garden.”
Luckily, adding colour can be very simple. He explained: “Adding colour can be done in a variety of ways, from artificial instalments such as bird feeders and decorative items to planting naturally vibrant varieties of flowers and shrubs.”
If you’re not sure what colour flowers to plant, there’s a massive clue. Calum revealed: “Birds will always be most attracted to the colours associated with the foods they eat, so when choosing colours, think of the delicious berries you have observed them feasting on!”
Equally, it’s also a good idea to add plants which provide them with food and nesting materials. These include sunflowers, ivy and honeysuckle.
Another important note is that it’s crucial to provide birds with water, particularly in warmer summer temperatures. Birds can become easily overheated as they don’t have sweat glands to cool them down.
If birds become too hot, they can suffer from heat stress. This manifests in symptoms such as disorientation and panting. In extreme cases, it can even be fatal.