There is nothing better than the sound of birds in the garden while you relax; feeding birds is a great way to give back and provide hours of entertainment to your household.
South Africa (16 May 2025) – One of my favourite ways to start the morning is putting the kettle on, heading outside to fill the bird feeders and bird bath, then snuggling right back into bed to watch the feeding frenzy while I sip on my tea. It is a simple pleasure, and while it’s a major boost to my day, it’s also really great for my feathered friends.
Winter can be a harsh time for birds. With fewer insects buzzing about and seeds becoming scarce, finding food becomes a daily challenge. And while they’re small, their energy needs are huge, especially in the cold when they burn more calories just to stay warm.
The good news? Helping is as easy as putting out a few snacks.
Birdseed, suet balls, crushed nuts, and even bits of fruit can go a long way in keeping them healthy and strong until spring. If you don’t have a feeder, no worries! A shallow dish on a windowsill or in the garden works just fine.
My garden, which is located in the suburbs of Gauteng, is a haven for birds and not just the ‘little brown jobs’ nobody can name; I have cheeky Rosey Cheeked Love Birds, Red Collared and Crested Barbets and even a Green Wood Hoopoe. A variety of starlings also visit, as does the common Myna.
The sparrows start my day by aggressively tapping on their bird feeder, irate that I dare try to soak in one more second of warmth and not fill their food for the day (which they mess everywhere – much to the delight of the little doves that land below the feeder waiting for their meals). They are a constant source of joy, but it’s rarer birds that give my heart its daily song. They might be common in their distribution, but seeing them in the suburbs is always a pleasant sight.
I always put out some wild bird seeds, suet balls, an apple and some mealworms. Stick to simple, natural options and keep feeders clean to avoid spreading disease. And don’t forget the water! While we focus on staying warm, birds also need help staying hydrated. Just make sure the water you put out doesn’t freeze over on chilly nights!
As I type this, I have two Cape Glossy Starlings bullying all the birds and making a meal of a suet ball. Joy!
While knowing what to feed your birds depends on where you are, there are general no-nos to follow in all locations.
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What Not to Feed Birds
As kind as we want to be, not all human food is bird-friendly. Avoid feeding them:
- Bread (it offers no nutrition and can cause health issues)
- Salty or processed snacks (like chips or salted peanuts)
- Milk (birds can’t digest it)
- Foods with mould or fungus
Every visit is a delight and a little reminder that your kindness is feeding more than just their bellies.
Feeding birds doesn’t just help them; it brings a bit of joy and life into our grey winter days. Watching them flutter and feast is a simple, daily reminder that small acts of care can make a big difference.
So this winter, let’s make a little space for nature. It’s good for the birds… and good for the soul. Oh, and another simple kindness: try leaving the leaves in your garden beds. It becomes home to all the delicious critters that make for great snacking!
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