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If you want your garden to sing with life, the feeder you pick is the first step. A feeder is more than a tray or a tube — it’s an invitation. The right design changes who turns up for breakfast, how often you refill, and how much of a hassle you’ll face with squirrels, pigeons, or spilled seed. Think of it like choosing a restaurant: some birds prefer a fast-food window counter, others a calm bistro bench. Choose wisely and you’ll enjoy a steady parade of tits, finches, robins, and even the occasional handsome thrush.
Window bird feeders are a fantastic option if you want to watch birds up close without scaring them away. These feeders stick to your glass, typically with suction cups, and create a tiny stage where birds can land within inches of your face. It’s perfect for city flats and small gardens where space is tight. If you’ve never seen a blue tit feast from a foot away while you sip coffee, you’re missing a small miracle.
Menkind stocks novelty and lifestyle products, and among them you’ll often find neat window bird feeder designs aimed at viewers who want that close-up experience. Their models usually focus on easy installation and clear viewing panels so you can see birds perch and peck. Menkind tends to lean toward eye-catching aesthetics, so if you want a feeder that looks as good inside your living room as it does outside your window, it’s worth a look.
Window feeders let you observe bird behaviour at a scale that makes nature feel personal. They’re easy to install and great for kids, photographers, and anyone who wants to keep an eye on visiting species. They reduce the need to venture into the garden in bad weather, and because they’re close to your window, they can reduce collisions when sited correctly — more on that shortly.
There are trade-offs. If you put a feeder too close to glass, birds may collide with the pane. To avoid this, place the feeder either within 3 ft of the window so birds can see the obstacle, or more than 30 ft away to allow them to react — those guidelines apply well in feet. Keep the feeder clean to prevent disease, and make sure suction cups are checked regularly so your tiny café doesn’t fall mid-service.
The UK high street and online marketplaces offer a wide range of bird feeders to suit every budget and garden size. Some stores specialise in garden gear, while others stock feeders as part of their home and leisure ranges. Whether you want a bargain plastic tray or a premium steel, weatherproof feeder, these retailers are reliable places to start your search.
Menkind is a go-to for novelty and lifestyle items, and that includes creative window feeders. Their products tend to be geared to the urban wildlife lover who wants a stylish, easy-to-fit option. If you value design and a clear viewing experience, check their range first; their window feeders are usually lightweight and user-friendly.
Argos samples a wide price spectrum and is a convenient stop for practical feeders like hopper and tray designs. They stock popular brands and often offer value-for-money bundles that include seed. Argos is good if you want quick availability and a range from cheap to solid mid-market options.
Dunelm carries stylish homewares and garden accessories, so if you prefer feeders that blend into a curated outdoor space, they’re worth browsing. Expect decorative wooden feeders, hanging designs, and accessories like seed blends and feeder poles. Their aesthetic tends to lean toward classic and cottage-garden looks.
B&Q is a practical choice for robust, garden-focused feeders. They often stock metal and weatherproof models — ideal if your feeder needs to withstand strong winds or prolonged sun. B&Q is also a good place to pick up feeder poles, mounting hardware, and other durable accessories.
Wilko and Robert Dyas are excellent for budget-conscious shoppers who still want decent quality. Expect polyethylene and plastic feeders that are easy to clean and last for seasons. They’re ideal for beginners or those who want to try different feeder types before committing to a pricier model.
Online marketplaces like Amazon UK offer huge choice, including international and niche brands. Specialist shops focused on garden birds can provide higher-end, British-made feeders and expert advice. The trade-off is you may need to sift through many listings, but you’ll find unique options like squirrels-proof gravity feeders or heavy-duty metal designs.
There’s a feeder for every species, and matching feeder type to preferred food is the secret to success. Let’s break down the main types so you can pick one that matches the local birds you want to encourage.
Tube feeders are cylindrical with multiple feeding ports. They’re tidy, keep seed dry, and are perfect for smaller perching birds like tits and finches. Fill them with mixed seed or sunflower hearts and hang them a few feet from shelter so birds can dart to safety if a sparrowhawk appears.
Hoppers hold a larger volume of seed and have a roof to keep the food dry. They attract a wide variety of garden birds — robins, dunnocks, starlings, and larger finches appreciate the extra space. They’re also convenient for homeowners because they reduce refilling frequency.
Platform feeders are open trays that can accept a wide range of foods, from seeds to mealworms. They’re popular with ground-feeding species like blackbirds and thrushes. Be mindful that open trays can be more vulnerable to rain and droppings, so clean them often.
No-mess feeders, often gravity-fed, dispense seed slowly so less waste ends up beneath the feeder. Squirrel-proof models use weight-sensitive perches or cages to exclude heavier mammals while allowing lightweight birds to feed. If squirrels are the neighbourhood bullies, one of these may save your seed and your patience.
Feeder choice goes hand-in-hand with the food you buy. Different mixes attract different species, and quality matters. A few well-chosen staples will turn your feeder into a bird magnet.
Sunflower hearts are a top pick. They’re high in fat and nearly shell-free, which means less litter beneath the feeder and lower risk of choking for small birds. A 2 lb bag of sunflower hearts will go a long way through a season if you feed moderately.
Black oil sunflower seeds are adored by many species and are a common choice in mixed seed blends. If you buy whole black oil seeds, expect more shell fragments on your lawn, so pair them with a no-mess feeder if that bothers you.
Nyjer is excellent for attracting siskins and goldfinches. It’s tiny, so it needs to be used in a fine-mesh or specialized nyjer feeder rather than a regular tube.
Peanuts (shelled and for cage feeders) and suet blocks are protein-rich and popular in winter when birds need extra energy. If you use peanuts, choose those labeled for birds to avoid salted or processed versions.
Placement is everything. A feeder in the wrong place can invite collisions, theft by squirrels, or make birds feel unsafe. You want an area that’s visible, safe, and sheltered.
To reduce collisions, the golden rule is either put a feeder within 3 ft of your window (so birds can’t accelerate into the pane) or more than 30 ft away so they have space to react. If you’re using a window feeder, stick to the close-distance approach and add decals if needed to break up reflections.
Position feeders 6 to 10 ft from shrubs or trees that provide quick cover. Perching birds like to launch from a nearby branch, but they also need a safe retreat. Too exposed and they may avoid the feeder; too hidden and predators can stalk them unnoticed.
Avoid placing feeders right above a deck or patio where cats can wait. If squirrels are the problem, consider mounting feeders on poles with baffles or hanging them from wires that are at least 8 ft away from a launching point so squirrels can’t leap across.
Clean feeders regularly to prevent the spread of disease. A little effort keeps birds healthy and reduces waste on the ground.
Clean feeders at least once every two weeks, more often in wet weather or if you notice droppings, clumped seed, or sick-looking birds. In heavy-use seasons, a weekly clean is ideal.
Empty old food, scrub with a stiff brush using warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and let dry. For a deeper clean, you can use a diluted disinfectant solution and rinse well. Always let the feeder dry completely before refilling, and wear gloves if you’re dealing with moldy seed.
Squirrels are smart, persistent, and generous seed-wasters. You don’t have to declare war — a few clever strategies will usually do the trick.
Buy feeders that close off under weight or protect the seed with a metal cage. Pole-mounted feeders with a dome-shaped baffle prevent climbers from reaching the tray. Remember: most squirrels can climb down a trunk, so keep feeders at least 8 ft away from jump-off points.
Fill feeders with nyjer or sunflower hearts rather than whole peanuts or corn if squirrels are the main issue. You can also use separate squirrel feeding stations away from the bird feeders to distract them — think of it as offering them a separate restaurant so they stop raiding the bird cafe.
If you care about wildlife beyond the feeder, choose sustainably sourced seed and durable, recyclable feeder materials. Metal and hardwood feeders last longer than cheap plastics, reducing waste. Buy seed in recyclable packaging or from suppliers that use sustainable practices, and consider locally-made feeders to cut down on transport emissions.
Budget feeders are great to get started — they teach you what birds prefer in your garden. Expect plastic trays or basic tube feeders that cost less but may require replacing after a few seasons. Premium feeders, often made from metal or hardwood and with weatherproof finishes, keep seed dry and look good year after year. If you’re serious about birdwatching, a premium model is an investment that keeps giving.
Match feeder type to the birds you want to attract, pick a suitable store — from Menkind for window feeders to B&Q or Dunelm for durable garden feeders — and think about maintenance and placement. Buying the right seed and keeping feeders clean will turn a one-time purchase into ongoing delight. Start small, learn what works in your patch, and expand your feeding stations as you get to know the neighbourhood winged regulars.
Whether you want birds pecking inches from your window or a woodland chorus in your backyard, the right feeder makes all the difference. Try different styles, be patient, and you’ll soon have a reliable cast of feathered guests performing daily.
Happy birdwatching — and remember, a little seed can create a lot of joy.
| Bird Feeders | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Window Bird Feeder | £ 15,- |
