Ireland is home to over 100 different wild birds, and about a quarter of them make an appearance in our gardens. Enticing birds to your garden has many benefits, but in Winter, their song and presence bring a really positive energy and atmosphere into the garden.  Goldfinches, greenfinches, robins, bluetits, great tits and dunnocks are probably the ones you are most likely to see on your birdfeeders. With so many different types of feed available it can be difficult to know what to give them, but different species do go for different cuisines! The most popular products we sell here in M. D. O’Shea’s are the fat-balls, superior seed mix and peanuts. Fat balls, suet bites and suet cakes are particularly favoured by tits, robins and sparrows. Seed mix is a favourite of dunnocks, sparrows, robins, tits and thrushes, while peanuts and sunflower seeds will bring in flocks of brightly coloured goldfinches. Nyger seed attracts finches, siskins, black caps and tits.

For each type of feed there is a specific feeder, which is well worth getting, to avoid excess spillage. There are basic feeders available, but here in our Garden Centre we have a few ranges which are extremely durable, such as the Pewter click ‘n feed – these are strong metal feeders with an attractive pewter finish. The Melrose range is made from sustainably sourced timber and adds a rustic feel to the garden. Finally, there is a gorgeous ‘Oriental’ range in a dark green metal finish. These have pagoda shaped roofs and are very different.

Birdhouses are also popular additions to any garden or patio, and it is well worth checking out our extensive range! From beautifully finished dovecotes to the smaller value houses, there is something for everyone’s budget.  Bird feeders and birdhouses really are the ideal gift for gardeners and kids alike - there is something very energising about watching birds, and if you are looking for gifts for elderly relatives, bird houses are often very appreciated. It is generally accepted that  watching birds can lower levels of stress and anxiety, even helping with optimism and motivation.

Birds are certainly good friends to every gardener, and you will notice Tits picking grubs off tree branches while they wait for a chance to get to the peanuts! Birds will also act as pollinators as they move from plant to plant, and in spring are particularly helpful in pollinating early flowering apple trees. Later in the season, birds will be the first line of defence against caterpillars, and in Autumn, they will pick out leatherjackets and vine weevils.

Planting berry bearing plants such as hawthorn, Viburnum opulus and cotoneaster will encourage birds to flock to your garden, as well as perennials such as Eryngium, Knautia and Scabious whose seed heads are a favourite with goldfinches.