But, what is the best way to attract different species of birds and squirrels to the garden? We discuss that in more detail below.

Different species, different needs

It is still quite difficult to find the right way to spoil all the little birds. Stringing a chain of peanuts is a well-known way to get the titmice into the garden, but for the blackbirds it is a Tantalus torment, because they cannot reach it. So with what food do you lure which birds and which food is best?

Blackbirds, sparrows and finches

These bird species cannot get into hard-to-reach places. The smaller species like to eat brown bread, sunflower seeds, peanuts and mixed scatter food that has been placed on a platform, for example. Blackbirds also eat larger things, such as apple cores, saltless food scraps (rice, potatoes) and fruit peels.

Wrens and robins

Both are small in size and you make them happy with bread crumbs, uncooked oatmeal or mixed scatter feed.

Tits and woodpeckers

These are the acrobats. They like to hang from fat balls or peanut chains, but also like to peck away at a plate of sunflower seeds and scatter feed.

Squirrels

A squirrel in the garden is always so beautiful to see! During the cold months, they sometimes come to the bird feeders to steal peanuts. If you want to see them more often, you can put out special food for them; unsalted peanuts, sunflower seeds, nuts (shelled or unpeeled, but always unsalted!) and raisins.

Water

Water can also be in short supply in winter. If it is not freezing too hard, you can feel free to put up a water trough. It doesn't hurt if the birds bathe in it because the water droplets don't stick to the, somewhat greasy, feathers. If it freezes hard, you can dissolve some sugar in the water so that the water does not freeze. But then it is not suitable for bathing; so stretch some coarse mesh over the tray.

Where do you make a feeding site?

Create a feeding area in a quiet, high spot in the garden, preferably close to a tree or tall shrub. This will allow the birds to have a good view of the garden and see danger (for example, in the form of the neighbor's cat) coming well in advance, and they can quickly flee into the tree or bush.

Making your own fat balls

Of course, you can buy bird food ready-made, but it is also fun (and cheaper) to make it yourself. How to make a peanut chain, of course, we don't have to explain. But you can also make your own fat balls or put down some peanut butter (preferably salt-free).

To make fat balls you need: frying fat, seed mix, string and an empty can or refractory dish. The ratio of fat to seeds is 1 to 1.

Melt the required amount of frying fat and stir in the seeds. Pour the still warm mixture into the tin or bowl and before the mixture solidifies, push in a piece of string. Leave a long enough piece hanging out so you can hang it up easily later. When the fat is well cooled and solidified, carefully pull the fat ball out of the can/dish and hang it in the garden.

Cosy crowds

So create a suitable feeding area with a variety of food. A combination of a platform and hanging things like fat balls and chains. If you have a suitable spot for it, also place some goodies in a higher place to attract the squirrels. Make sure you have a view of the feeding area from the living room; that way you can enjoy a cozy and colorful bustle in the garden all winter long!