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Thinking about turning your garden into a birdwatcher's paradise? Adding feeders is one of the quickest, most rewarding ways to bring life to your outdoor space. You don’t need acres of land — even a balcony or small patio can host feathered visitors. Feeders invite colour, song, and movement right outside your window, and they’re perfect for beginners who want to learn bird ID or help local wildlife through the colder months.
Menkind window bird feeder is a clever pick if you want birds up close. It sticks to glass and gives you a front-row seat to garden drama — robins, tits, and goldfinches often make repeat visits. The idea is simple but brilliant: you get to watch behaviour, nesting prep, and feeding patterns without scaring the birds away. It’s also an easy intro product for kids or apartment dwellers who can’t install pole-mounted feeders.
The Menkind window model usually has a clear acrylic tray and strong suction cups, so dimensions are compact — think roughly 8 to 10 inches across — making it subtle and unobtrusive. Because it mounts directly to the window, stability and clear sightlines are the selling points. Many of these designs include drainage holes and a perch lip so birds can sit comfortably while they peck at seeds.
If you live in a ground-floor flat, have limited outdoor space, or simply love close-up birdwatching, a window feeder is ideal. It’s also a great educational tool for families: children can learn about species, feeding behaviour, and even basic conservation from the safety of indoors. That said, window feeders suit smaller birds more than larger ones — expect tits, sparrows, and finches rather than heavyweights like pigeons.
Where should you shop for feeders? The UK market is full of options, from specialist wildlife shops to general retailers. Below are reputable places to browse, compare prices, and find the right feeder for your garden size and budget.
Menkind is known for fun, design-led products and stocks novelty feeders such as window models and quirky bird accessories. Their range is great for unique, giftable feeders and small-scale kits that appeal to urban gardeners and apartment owners who want something stylish and easy to install.
The RSPB shop focuses on bird-friendly products and sound conservation advice. Their feeders tend to be robust, practical, and designed with the needs of UK birds in mind. Buying from RSPB often has the added benefit of supporting conservation work, which makes their feeders an attractive choice for ethically minded shoppers.
Amazon is a go-to for sheer selection. You can find everything from simple platform trays to high-end, weatherproof hopper feeders and squirrel-proof models. The advantage is variety and user reviews — they help you judge durability and real-world performance. Just be mindful to check product dimensions in inches and look for UK-based sellers to avoid long waits.
Pets at Home stocks feeders as part of its garden and wildlife range. Their selection suits pet owners and wildlife enthusiasts who want easy-to-find feed and accessories. Look here for reliable brands and starter kits that include feeder, seed mix, and basic mounting options.
These high-street names are handy when you want to see feeders in person. They carry a mix of budget-friendly and premium feeders, poles, and bird tables. For homeowners who like to test a feeder’s feel and build quality before buying, a quick in-store visit can be useful — just remember to check dimensions in inches and ask about replacement parts if you plan a long-term setup.
Wilko and Argos provide affordable, no-frills feeders that are great for beginners or as a secondary feeder. Dunelm often offers decorative styles that match garden furniture if aesthetics matter. These retailers are practical choices when you want decent value without hunting through specialist shops.
Choosing the right feeder type is more than style — it affects which species visit and how often. Knowing the main types helps you match feeder design to the birds you want to attract.
Tube feeders are tall, slender cylinders with multiple ports and perches. They’re brilliant for small birds like tits, finches, and sparrows. Because seeds are contained inside, these feeders keep mess down and usually hold a decent amount of seed — think a pound or two for standard sizes.
Hopper or box feeders resemble small houses and can hold several pounds of seed. They offer sheltered feeding and attract a wider mix: dunnocks, starlings, blackbirds, along with smaller species. They’re easy to refill and tend to be weather-resistant, which is a boon in wet British seasons.
Open trays or platform feeders are versatile and welcome ground-feeding species such as blackbirds and thrushes. They’re also excellent for offering fruit and suet. Because they’re open, expect to clear debris more often and to see a bigger variety — that's both charm and a small chore.
As mentioned, window feeders attach to glass and are perfect for close observation. They accommodate small seed mixes and are not meant for heavy birds. For families or balcony gardeners, these feeders are a top pick.
Suet cages or fat ball holders attract insect-eating birds like woodpeckers, nuthatches, and tits, especially in winter. These feeders are lightweight and usually hold 1 or 2 fat balls at a time. They’re a high-energy treat during colder stretches when insects are scarce.
Nectar feeders (or hummingbird-style feeders) are less common in the UK but fantastic for attracting long-billed species like sunbirds in other regions; in Britain, they’re useful for offering sugar water to orioles or special exotic species in rehabilitation settings. If you use one, clean it regularly — sweet mixes can ferment fast.
Feed choice dictates visitors more than the feeder type alone. Simple swaps can change who turns up for breakfast.
Black sunflower seeds are a top pick — they’re calorie-dense and mess less than mixed blends. A standard bag might weigh a few pounds; keep them dry and in a cool place. Mixed seed blends attract a broad range of species, but the cheaper mixes often contain filler seed that many birds ignore.
Peanuts (shelled or unshelled depending on feeder design) are beloved by tits and nuthatches. Fat balls are convenient high-energy snacks that weigh only a few ounces each. Use a metal feeder for peanuts to deter squirrels and take care to buy low-salt, untreated varieties safe for birds.
Berries and fruit attract thrushes and blackbirds, while orange halves are great for robins and starlings. If you offer nectar or fruit, rotate supplies frequently and clear any mouldy leftovers — spoilage can occur in just a few days, especially in warm weather.
Where you mount a feeder affects visitor comfort and safety. Think like a bird: cover, visibility, and escape routes matter.
Mount feeders roughly 5 to 8 feet off the ground for safety and visibility. Window feeders, of course, mount directly on glass and are usually at eye level. Keep seed stations 10 to 15 feet from dense cover where predators could lurk, but within 5 to 10 feet of a shrub or tree so birds have quick shelter options.
Squirrels are persistent; use baffles, metal feeders, or weight-activated mechanisms to discourage them. Placing feeders away from easy jumping points like fences or low branches helps. If foxes or stray cats are a concern, opt for higher mounting and avoid ground-level trays unless you can clear the area quickly after feeding.
Keeping feeders clean and well-stocked will ensure happy birds and reduce disease risk. A little routine care goes a long way.
Wash feeders every two weeks with hot water and a mild disinfectant, more often in wet weather. For window feeders, a weekly rinse helps avoid mould. Replace any damp or caked feed and dry feeders thoroughly before refilling to prevent bacteria growth.
Start with a pound or two of seed per feeder and adjust to demand. Smaller feeders may need daily top-ups in cold snaps, while large hoppers might hold enough for a week. Keep an eye on waste and spillage; if much ends up on the ground, reduce portions or switch to a less messy seed like black oil sunflower.
Are expensive feeders worth it? It depends on your priorities. Budget models are fine for casual birdwatchers and beginners. They do the job and are easy to replace if damaged. Premium feeders often offer metal caps, thicker acrylic, and clever anti-squirrel tech, plus longer warranties. If your garden sees heavy use or you want something that lasts through damp UK winters, investing a bit more can pay off.
If sustainability matters to you, look for feeders made from recycled plastic or sustainably sourced wood. Buying local brands reduces the carbon footprint from shipping, and durable designs mean fewer replacements. Also, choose seed mixes that are traceable and free from unnecessary additives — your garden can be both pretty and planet-friendly.
Want to hit the ground running? Place feeders where you can watch without disturbing birds, offer a mix of seed and fat in winter, keep water available in a shallow birdbath, and rotate feeder types to see what works best for your patch. Patience pays off — it might take a few weeks for birds to discover a new feeder, but once word spreads, your garden will buzz with activity.
Adding bird and wildlife feeders to your garden is an easy way to invite nature into daily life. Whether you choose Menkind window feeder for up-close viewing or a robust hopper from a specialist like the RSPB shop, there’s a feeder for every garden and budget. Think about the birds you want to attract, select appropriate feed, and place feeders with safety and convenience in mind. With a little care and patience, your garden can become a thriving wildlife hotspot just a few feet from your back door.
Bird & Wildlife Feeders | Price | |
---|---|---|
Window Bird Feeder | £ 15,- |