Prepare Your Garden Birds for Autumn & Winter   

As we move into Autumn, the days start to feel shorter, and the air carries a bit more bite. Leaves fall, gardens quite down, and wild birds begin their seasonal shift. With fewer insects around and less natural food available, your garden can quickly become an essential stop for local birds trying to stay warm and fed. 

By putting out the right kind of food and offering a few extras like water and shelter, you’ll not only help birds get through the colder months — you’ll likely enjoy a front-row seat to some wonderful wildlife activity too. At Gladwells, we’ve got some Autumn bird feeding tips (and handy products) to help make your outdoor space bird-friendly this season. 

Why Feeding in Autumn Is So Important 

Autumn is a preparation phase for birds — they’re building up energy reserves ahead of winter’s full arrival. While you might notice them becoming more active around feeders, what they’re really doing is stockpiling energy. 

With colder weather approaching, it’s worth switching to higher-energy foods that help birds maintain body heat. And once you start feeding garden birds in winter weather regularly, they’ll know they can rely on your garden as a safe, consistent food source. 

So, What Should You Be Feeding? 

As temperatures drop, birds need fuel. Here are a few favourites that offer plenty of calories and nutrients: 

• Suet blocks and fat balls – full of fat and ideal for keeping birds warm. 

• Peanuts and sunflower seeds – packed with oil and protein, and loved by many species. 

• Mealworms – great for birds that normally eat insects (like robins or blackbirds). 

• High-energy seed mixes – attract a range of visitors, especially if they include sunflower hearts. 

You can explore these and more in our wild bird section, where we’ve got everything from basic seed to specialist mixes. 

Choosing Feeders That Actually Work in Winter 

It’s one thing to put out food, but the type of feeder you use can make a big difference on how to help birds in cold weather. 

• Weatherproof feeders help keep food dry and fresh (no one likes soggy seed). 

• Ground trays are good for birds that don’t like perching, while hanging feeders attract more agile types. 

• Go for easy-to-clean designs, especially now — bacteria and mould can spread more easily in the damp. 

Different birds prefer different setups, so offering a mix is a great way to attract more feathered friends. 

Water Matters (Even in Winter) 

We often focus on food, but birds need fresh water just as much — for both drinking and cleaning their feathers. The trouble is, water freezes. 

Here are a few ways to keep it flowing: 

• Use a heated bird bath if you have one. 

• Place shallow dishes somewhere sheltered and sunny. 

• Drop a small ball or stone into the water — it helps delay freezing by keeping the surface moving. 

Keeping water available can be a literal lifesaver for birds when frost sets in. 

Create Shelter (It’s Not Just About Food) 

As well as food and water, birds need somewhere to hide from the elements and stay safe from predators. If you can offer cover, they’ll be much more likely to visit — and stick around. 

• Hedges, evergreen shrubs, or dense plants all provide great natural shelter. 

• Consider adding a nest box or roosting pouch to give them a warm place to rest. 

• Even bird houses that aren’t being used for nesting can be cosy overnight spots. 

Keep It Clean, Keep It Safe 

Winter brings more rain, more mess, and more risk of diseases spreading — especially if feeders aren’t cleaned properly. 

It’s a good idea to: 

• Wash feeders and water dishes regularly, ideally once a week. 

• Use bird-safe disinfectants and brushes 

• Let everything dry before refilling to prevent mould growth. 

Clean feeding stations = healthier birds. 

If you’re looking for a bird feeder or the best bird feed for winter, check out our range here.